Where is the transverse foramina found?

cervical vertebrae
The transverse foramen (foramen transversarium) of cervical vertebrae is an opening that is occupied by the vertebral artery and vein in the first six vertebrae and only the vertebral vein in the seventh. The vertebral artery is of particular importance because it serves the brain and spinal cord.

What vertebrae are transverse foramina found in?

Cervical vertebrae possess transverse foramina to allow for the vertebral arteries to pass through on their way to the foramen magnum to end in the circle of Willis. These are the smallest, lightest vertebrae and the vertebral foramina are triangular in shape.

Why is transverse foramen only in cervical?

Anatomical Relationships The transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae provide a passageway by which the vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves can pass. The only exception to this is C7 – where the vertebral artery passes around the vertebra, instead of through the transverse foramen.

Are transverse foramina present or absent in cervical vertebrae?

The transverse foramen, through which the vertebral artery passes, is characteristic of the cervical vertebrae, except for the last, in which it is usually absent.

What does the transverse foramina provide a passageway for?

The transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae provide a passageway by which the vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves can pass. They extend from above their respective vertebrae, through the intervertebral foramen created by the joints at the articular processes.

Where is transverse foramen found?

Transverse foramen/ Foramen Transversarium is a gap on each of the transverse processes which contain the vertebral artery and vein and a sympathetic nerve plexus and it is only found in the cervical vertebrae. The spinal nerves and ganglia traverse the dorsal border of the artery along with segmental vessels.

What are the contents of the transverse foramen?

Transverse foramina are small holes usually seen in the first to the sixth cervical vertebral bodies. They contain the vertebral arteries as well as some small veins.

What is the thoracic transverse process?

transverse process. a process of the vertebra that extends posterolaterally from the junction of the pedicle and lamina on each side and is the site for articulation with the ribs in the thoracic region.