foramen magnum

[ mag-nuhm ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. the large opening in the base of the skull forming the passage from the cranial cavity to the spinal canal.

foramen magnum

noun

1. the large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes

Word History and Origins

Origin of foramen magnum¹

1880–85; < New Latin: literally, great hole

Word History and Origins

Origin of foramen magnum¹

New Latin: large hole

Example Sentences

The shape of the opening at the base of its skull—the foramen magnum—suggested Sahelanthropus balanced its head on top of a vertical neck, similar to upright walkers such as today’s humans.

From Science Magazine

When his brain swelled, the portion of his cerebellum that was herniating through the foramen magnum became compressed and presented with sever occipital headaches.

From New York Times

They resemble moorei in the shape and size of the tympanic bullae, and are intermediate in the size and shape of the foramen magnum.

From Project Gutenberg

The basal line of the cranium from the lower border of the foramen magnum to the incisor border of the palate is nearly straight.

From Project Gutenberg

B to B' Postpalatal length.—From posterior margin of hard palate to anterior margin of foramen magnum.

From Project Gutenberg