The foramen transversarium is a small, circular opening located in the cervical vertebrae of the human spine. It is named “transversarium” because it is located transversely (across) the vertebrae, and it serves as a passageway for nerves and blood vessels to travel through the spine. There are seven cervical vertebrae in the human spine, each of which has a foramen transversarium.
Structure
The foramen transversarium is formed by the transverse process and the vertebral arch of the cervical vertebrae. The transverse process is a bony projection that extends laterally from the vertebral body, and the vertebral arch is a ring of bone that encloses the spinal cord. Together, these structures form a U-shaped opening, which is the foramen transversarium.
It is lined with a thin layer of tissue called the endothelial lining, which helps to protect the nerves and blood vessels that pass through it. The size of the foramen transversarium can vary slightly between individuals, but it is generally about 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter.
Location
The foramen transversarium is located in the cervical vertebrae, which are the seven vertebrae that make up the neck. These vertebrae are designated as C1 through C7, with C1 being the vertebra closest to the skull and C7 being the vertebra closest to the thoracic spine. The foramen transversarium is located in the transverse process of each cervical vertebra, which is a bony projection that extends laterally from the vertebral body.
Function
The primary function of the foramen transversarium is to allow nerves and blood vessels to pass through the spine. The nerves that pass through the foramen transversarium are responsible for transmitting sensory and motor signals to and from the brain and spinal cord. The blood vessels that pass through the foramen transversarium supply the neck and upper extremities with oxygen-rich blood.
The foramen transversarium also plays a role in the mobility of the neck. The transverse process of the cervical vertebrae is where the neck muscles attach, and the movement of these muscles allows the head to turn and tilt.
Clinical Significance
There are several potential clinical issues that can affect the foramen transversarium. One common problem is foraminal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the foramen transversarium due to bone spurs or other bony abnormalities. This can cause compression of the nerves and blood vessels that pass through the foramen transversarium, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.
Another potential issue is foraminal herniation, which is a condition in which the intervertebral disc protrudes into the foramen transversarium. This can also compress the nerves and blood vessels, leading to similar symptoms as foraminal stenosis.
Both foraminal stenosis and foraminal herniation can be treated with a variety of methods, including physical therapy, medications, and surgery. In severe cases, a procedure called foraminotomy may be necessary to remove the bone spurs or other bony abnormalities that are causing the compression.
