Dilemma in the Diversity of Foramen Magnum Dimensions

Abstract

Foramen magnum, which is an opening for the passage of spinal cord is highly variable in its dimensions, the reasons for which are not known. In this report we examined a few skulls from different species and performed selective morphometric analysis (Condyle ratio, Nuchal ratio and radius) to derive possible explanations for variations in size of foramen magnum. We propose possible influence of variations in dimension of foramen magnum on a few physio-anatomical traits, which necessitates further research.