Transverse foramen
Foramen transversarium
Definition
The transverse foramen is an opening located within the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, characteristic of this region of the spine. It forms a lateral passage on both sides of the vertebral column.
Anatomically, the transverse foramen allows the passage of vascular and nervous structures, notably the vertebral artery and vertebral vein.
The morphology and presence of the transverse foramen vary among species: in horses, cattle, and small ruminants, it is well developed on vertebrae C1 to C6; in dogs and cats, it is also present but may be absent on C7; in humans, it is typical of cervical vertebrae C1 to C6.
References
Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2017.
König HE, Liebich HG, eds. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals: Textbook and Colour Atlas. 6th ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2020.
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2013.
