transversaforamen

Transversaforamen is a term used in anatomy to describe the hole or opening that pierces through a transverse process of a vertebra. These foramina are characteristic features of the cervical vertebrae, commonly referred to as the transverse foramina. The vertebral artery and vein, along with sympathetic nerve fibers, pass through these openings in the cervical spine. This anatomical arrangement provides protection for the vertebral artery as it ascends through the neck. In contrast, the transverse foramina are absent in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The presence and size of the transverse foramina can vary among individuals and may be relevant in certain medical conditions or surgical considerations. Deviations in the typical structure, such as the absence of a transverse foramen on one side, are known as anomalies and are usually asymptomatic.