Superior view

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.  The vertebral vein does not serve much of the brain, but rather receives blood from the cervical spinal cord, cervical vertebrae, and some of the small muscles in the superior portion of the neck.  The foramen is formed by the union of the transverse process posteriorly and the remains of the cervical rib anteriorly.  These foramina do not occur in the other regions of the vertebral column.

COPYRIGHT 2007 by William C. Johnson II
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