How Do You Spell FORAMEN SINGULARE?

1. Foramen singulare is a Latin term used in anatomy to refer to a specific anatomical structure in the human body. It can be broken down into two components: "foramen" meaning hole or opening, and "singulare" meaning singular or unique.

   In its most literal sense, foramen singulare translates to a singular or unique opening. However, in the context of anatomical terminology, it specifically refers to a minute aperture located in the occipital bone, which is situated at the back and base of the skull. The foramen singulare is positioned near the occipital condyle, which is a rounded structure that articulates with the first cervical vertebra.

   This small opening serves as a passageway for numerous vital structures. Most notably, it allows the passage of the vertebral artery, one of the main blood vessels that supplies the brain. Additionally, the foramen singulare may also provide a passage for a small vein, the emissary vein, which connects the posterior part of the head to the dural venous sinuses within the brain.

   Understanding the precise location and function of the foramen singulare is crucial in various medical fields, such as neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology. Accurate identification of this opening can help in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the blood supply to the brain or require surgical intervention near the base of the skull.

2. A foramen in the internal auditory meatus, behind the area cochlearis, which transmits the nerves to the saccule.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for FORAMEN SINGULARE

The word "foramen" is derived from the Latin word "forāmen", which means "opening" or "hole". It was initially used in anatomy to refer to any passage or opening in bone structures.

The term "singulare" comes from the Latin word "singulāris", which means "unique" or "singular".

When combined, "foramen singulare" literally means "unique opening" or "singular hole" in Latin. In anatomy, it specifically refers to a narrow opening or passage in the human skull called the "foramen singulare" through which the internal carotid artery passes.