In anatomy, a foramen (/fəˈreɪmən/; pl. foramina, /fəˈræmᵻnə/) is any opening. Foramina inside the body of humans and other animals typically allow muscles, nerves, arteries, veins, or other structures to connect one part of the body with another.
The skulls of vertebrates (including humans) have foramina through which nerves, arteries, veins and other structures pass.
Within the vertebral column (spine) of vertebrates, including the human spine, each bone has an opening at both its top and bottom to allow nerves, arteries, veins, etc. to pass through.
Apical foramen, the hole at the tip of the root of a tooth
Foramen ovale (heart), a hole between the venous and arterial sides of the fetal heart
Transverse foramen, one of a pair of openings in each cervical vertebra, in which the vertebral artery travels
Greater sciatic foramen, a major foramen of the pelvis
Interventricular foramina, channels connecting ventricles in the brain
Lesser sciatic foramen, an opening between the pelvis and the posterior thigh
Obturator foramen, the hole created by the ischium and pubis bones of the pelvis
Sacral foramina, which perforate the vertebral canal from the Sacrum (sacral bone), and through which the sacral nerves pass.
Vertebral foramen, the foramen formed by the anterior segment (the body), and the posterior part, the vertebral arch.
