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Medizinischer Begriff der Woche: Foramen magnum

Medical term of the week: foramen magnum

Medical term of the week: Foramen magnum

The foramen magnum, literally translated as "big hole", is a fascinating anatomical structure that plays a central role in the connection between the brain and the spinal cord.

etymology

The term comes from Latin. "Foramen" means "hole" or "opening", while "magnum" means "large". The term goes back to the famous anatomist Andreas Vesalius, who published the first detailed description of the human skull in the 16th century.

Anatomical relevance

The foramen magnum is located at the base of the skull and forms the transition between the skull and the spine. The medulla oblongata, which connects the brain to the spinal cord, runs through this opening. Important blood vessels such as the vertebral arteries also pass through here.

Clinical significance

In medicine, the foramen magnum plays an important role in various diseases. In Chiari malformation, for example, brain tissue is displaced through the foramen magnum, which can lead to neurological symptoms. Knowledge of the foramen magnum is also very important in the diagnosis of skull base fractures or tumors in this region.

Did you know?

In paleoanthropology, the position of the foramen magnum is used to infer upright walking in fossil hominids. The more central the foramen magnum is, the more likely it is that the species walked upright.

Animus Medicus tip

Would you like to deepen your knowledge of skull anatomy? Our "Skull Anatomy - Vintage" Poster provides a detailed representation of the foramen magnum and other important structures. Perfect for study and practice!