Intervertebral Foramen

The intervertebral foramen is the opening between two adjacent vertebrae of the spine. It is formed by notches on the upper and lower parts of the body of each vertebra. Spinal nerves and blood vessels supplying the spinal cord pass through the intervertebral foramina.

There are anterior, lateral and posterior intervertebral foramina. The anterior openings are located between the vertebral bodies and serve for the passage of blood vessels. The lateral openings are located between the transverse processes and are intended for the exit of the spinal nerves from the spinal canal. The posterior openings are located between the articular processes and also serve for the passage of blood vessels.

Thus, the intervertebral foramina play an important role in allowing the passage of nerves and vessels to and from the spinal cord throughout the spine. When these openings narrow, compression of the nerve structures may occur, leading to the development of neurological symptoms.

The intervertebral (foramenal) foramen is an anatomical formation at the level of each intervertebral disc, which is an opening in the arcuate process through which the spinal nerve passes, as well as soft tissues formed by the membranes of the nerve trunks. A neurite passes through the hole and connects to the surrounding tissues. Intervertebral formations are oval in shape and located directly behind the processes of the vertebrae.