Foramen magnum

Study entry

Description

The large opening of the basal part of the occipital bone, halfway between the mastoid processes and at the same level as them.

Relations

It transmits the medulla oblongata (which continues with the spinal cord) and the meninges, the vertebral arteries, the anterior and posterior spinal arteries and the accessory nerve (CN XI).

Source: cap. 8, «Cráneo» y tabla 8-2

Other structures in this region

• Squamous part of the frontal bone
• Orbital part of the frontal bone
• Glabella
• Superciliary arch
• Supraorbital margin
• Supraorbital foramen (notch)
• Frontal eminence
• Frontal crest