Foramen magnum - Horse - Osteology - Head - vet-Anatomy
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Foramen magnum

Foramen magnum

Definition

Mayla Alcobaça, Andréa lopes da Costa

The foramen magnum is an important ring-shaped anatomical opening located in the caudal region of the cranium. It consists of the occipital bone and its basilar (rostral), squamous (dorsal), and lateral (lateral) parts.

The foramen magnum is located in the caudal part of the occipital bone and allows communication between the cranial cavity and the vertebral canal. It surrounds important structures such as the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and nerves essential to the functioning of the body.

Laterally to the foramen magnum are the occipital condyles, which are fundamental structures for head movement.

References

  • Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Tratado de Anatomia Veterinária. 4ª edição. Rio de Janeiro: Elsevier; 2004.

  • König HE, Liebich HG. Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos. 7ª edição. Porto Alegre: Artmed; 2021.

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