Transverse foramen

Organization and role

The vertebral artery generally passes through the C6–C1 foramina. The C7 foramen usually transmits venous structures, although anatomy varies.

Clinical relevance and investigation

A fracture involving this foramen may prompt investigation for vertebral artery injury. This is assessed within a trauma evaluation.

Points to consider

Bony landmarks identify a level, region or anatomical passage. Shape variation is not necessarily pathological. Reports describe location, relationships to adjacent structures and, when relevant, implications for a specialist procedure.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Pars interarticularis — Bony portion of the vertebral arch between the superior and inferior articular processes, also known as the pars interarticularis.
• Craniocervical junction — Transition region between the skull base, atlas and axis, containing essential joints, ligaments and neurological and vascular structures.
• Thoracolumbar junction — Transition between the thoracic and lumbar spine, where curvature, joint orientation and mechanical loading patterns change.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Vertebral Column.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.