Foramen: A natural opening. Although a foramen is usually through bone, it can be an opening through other types of tissue, as with the foramen ovale in the heart. The plural of foramen is foramina.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3503
Definition. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the heart that didn't close the way it should after birth. During fetal development, a small flap-like opening — the foramen ovale (foh-RAY-mun oh-VAY-lee) — is normally present in the wall between the right and left upper chambers of the heart (atria). It normally closes during infancy. When the foramen ovale doesn't close, it's called a patent foramen ovale. Although it's not uncommon to have a patent foramen ovale, most people with the condition never know they have it. A patent foramen ovale is often discovered during tests for other problems.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale/basics/definition/CON-20028729
For example, cervical foraminal narrowing produces symptoms in the head, neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, hands or fingers. Lumbar foraminal narrowing can produce sciatica, a set of symptoms related to compression of the sciatic nerve or its associated nerve roots. Symptoms can include: 1  Localized pain at the site of the nerve compression. 2  Pain that radiates from the site of compression along the length of the affected nerve.
https://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/foraminal_narrowing/def/
Typically, the condition is characterized by non-continuous pain developing slowly over many years and is related to an activity (such as bicycle riding) or position (such as holding the neck in an extended position). Although more common in the neck, it can also occur in the lumbar spine. Confirmation is by an MRI or CT scan with myelogram. Unlike many other back or neck conditions, most nonsurgical treatments (such as pain medication) are unlikely to be of much benefit. Traction may provide some relief.
http://www.spine-health.com/glossary/foraminal-stenosis
Foraminal Stenosis Definition. Foraminal Stenosis is the narrowing of the cervical disc space caused by enlargement of a joint (the uncinate process) in the spinal canal. The majority of symptoms with this type of cervical spinal stenosis are usually caused by one nerve root on one side.
http://www.spine-health.com/glossary/foraminal-stenosis
Foraminal Narrowing Definition. Sections. A reduction in the space available for nerve roots to exit the spinal canal is the definition of foraminal narrowing. Pairs of nerve roots branch off the spinal cord at every vertebral level through openings called intervertebral foramina (singular: foramen).
https://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/foraminal_narrowing/def/
If you have foraminal stenosis, knowing the definition of the condition can be helpful as you consider your treatment options. In general terms, “foraminal stenosis” refers to the narrowing of the canals in the vertebrae that are responsible for protecting the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column. This constriction can disrupt regular nerve function and result in pain and other pain-related symptoms.
https://www.laserspineinstitute.com/learn_more/glossary/definition/foraminal_stenosis/146/
Noun. 1. foramen-a natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure. hiatus. foramen of Monro, interventricular foramen, Monro's foramen-the small opening (on both the right and left sides) that connects the third ventricle in the diencephalon with the lateral ventricle in the cerebral hemisphere. foramen magnum-the large opening at the base of the cranium through which the spinal cord passes. opening, gap-an open or empty space in or between things; there was a small opening between the trees; the explosion made a gap in the wall. 1  Facebook.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/foramen
n. pl. fo·ram·i·na (-răm′ə-nə) or fo·ra·mens. An opening or orifice, as in a bone or in the covering of the ovule of a plant. [Latin. , an opening, from. , to bore .]. fo·ram′i·nal (-răm′ə-nəl) , fo·ram′i·nous (-nəs) adj.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/foramen
Spine Anatomy Video. The foramen is the bony hollow archway created by pedicles of adjacent vertebrae, creating a passageway through which all spinal nerve roots run. As a spinal nerve branches from the spinal cord, it exits through this opening and travels to organs, muscles and sensory structures of the body.
http://www.spine-health.com/glossary/foramen
definition of a foramen
A foramen means a natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure. A Foramen is natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure.