Dictionary

forearm The portion of the upper limb from the elbow to the wrist. The forearm has two bones: the radius and ulna.

forceps, obstetrical A forceps designed as an aid in the vaginal delivery of a baby. Forceps may be used to ease delivery or to cope with problems of fetal distress or fetal position. The decision to use forceps must be made by an obstetrician.

forceps An instrument that has two blades and a handle and is used for handling, grasping, or compressing.

foramina of Luschka A pair of openings from the fourth ventricle of the brain to the central canal of the upper end of the spinal cord.

foramen ovale An oval opening between the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria) that is a normal feature of fetal and newborn circulation. The foramen ovale normally closes by 3 months of age.

foramen of Magendie An opening from the fourth ventricle in the brain to the central canal of the upper end of the spinal cord.

foramen magnum The large hole at the base of the skull that allows passage of the spinal cord.

foramen, interventricular An opening between the lateral and third ventricles in the brain.

foramen A natural opening. Although a foramen is usually through bone, it can be an opening through other types of tissue, as with the foramen ovale in the heart. The plural of foramen is foramina.

footling presentation See footling birth.

footling birth A foot- or feet-first birth. A footling birth is called single-footling or doublefootling, depending on whether the presenting part of the baby at delivery is just one foot or both feet. Also known as footling presentation.

foot fungus See athlete’s foot.