Foramen

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In anatomy and osteology, a foramen (/fəˈreɪmən/;^[1][2] pl.: foramina, /fəˈræmɪnə/ or foramens /fəˈreɪmənz/) is an opening or enclosed gap within the dense connective tissue (bones and deep fasciae) of extant and extinct amniote animals, typically to allow passage of nerves, arteries, veins or other soft tissue structures (e.g. muscle tendon) from one body compartment to another.