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Glite Dictionary
foramen magnum

foramen magnum

1 9.3
A large hole at the base of the skull that the spinal cord passes through
  • noun
  • /fəˈreɪmən ˈmæɡnəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : foramen magnum
  • The position of the foramen magnum in modern humans is critical for upright walking and balance.

Examples

  • During the autopsy, the doctor noted significant damage to the foramen magnum, indicating potential spinal injury.

  • The spinal cord connects to the brainstem by passing through the foramen magnum.

  • A fracture extending to the foramen magnum can be extremely serious.

  • During an autopsy, the pathologist examined the foramen magnum for signs of trauma.

  • The foramen magnum is a key feature.

  • What is the foramen magnum?

  • The foramen magnum is the large opening at the base of the skull that allows the spinal cord to connect with the brain.

Synonyms

foramen
vsforamen magnum
  • Specialized
3 9.6

An opening in a bone that lets a nerve or blood vessel pass through

is the specific large opening at the skull base for the spinal cord

Surface Forms

foramen magnum singular
foramina magna plural

Morphology

foramen + magnum

The term literally combines 'foramen' (opening) and 'magnum' (large), so the meaning 'large opening' is directly derivable from the constituents. Although it is a technical Latin anatomical label specific to the skull base, the composition is transparent and paralleled across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings would understand it.

Etymology

The noun foramen magnum comes from Latin and is made of foramen meaning 'hole' and magnum meaning 'large'. It names the big opening at the base of the skull where the spinal cord passes, so the phrase literally describes the 'large hole' that connects the brain and the spine.