Foramen magnum
The foramen magnum ( Latin for 'large hole') or large occipital hole (synonym: foramen occipitale magnum ) is the largest opening in the skull at the base of the skull and is formed by the occiput . Its rear center is known as the opisthion and serves as an anatomical reference point for skull measurements .
The foramen magnum connects the cranial cavity with the spinal canal and is the passage point for the central nervous system (CNS): this is where the spinal cord and brain merge. The part of the brain that adjoins the spinal cord is the medulla oblongata ("elongated marrow"). The spinal roots of the XI. The cranial nerve ( accessory nerve ), the vertebral artery ( arteria vertebralis ) and a venous plexus use the foramen magnum as a passage opening.
The position of the occipital hole in fossil skulls of prehistoric and early humans allowed conclusions to be drawn about the upright posture, because a relatively far back occipital hole as in the great apes indicates a slightly bent forward posture when moving , while a centrally located below the center of gravity of the With the occipital hole lying on the head, it is possible to carry the head upright without exertion by balancing . This enables the upright walk (see also hominization ).
Page references
- ↑ University of Cologne Anatomy Skull Base (PDF file; 4.33 MB)
