Foramen vs. Meatus — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Foramen and Meatus
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Definitions
Foramen
In anatomy and osteology, a foramen (; plural foramina, or foramens ) is an open hole that is present in extant or extinct amniotes. Foramina inside the body of animals typically allow muscles, nerves, arteries, veins, or other structures to connect one part of the body with another.
Meatus
In anatomy, a meatus (, mee-AY-təs), plural "meatus" or "meatuses", is a natural body opening or canal.
Foramen
An opening or orifice, as in a bone or in the covering of the ovule of a plant.
Meatus
A body opening or passage, such as the opening of the ear or the urethral canal.
Foramen
(skeleton) An opening, an orifice, or a short passage, especially in a bone.
The skull contains a number of foramina through which arteries, veins, nerves, and other structures enter and exit.
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Meatus
(anatomy) A tubular opening or passage leading to the interior of the body.
The urinary meatus is the opening of the urethra, situated on the glans penis in males, and in the vulva in females.
Foramen
A small opening, perforation, or orifice; a fenestra.
Meatus
(anatomy) acoustic meatus the passage leading into the ear.
Foramen
A natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure
Meatus
A natural passage or canal; as, the external auditory meatus. See Illust. of Ear.
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Meatus
A natural body passageway
