Dictionary

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

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

foreign body airway obstruction Partial or complete blockage of the breathing tubes to the lungs due to the presence of a foreign body, such as food or another object. See also airway obstruction.

forensic medicine The branch of medicine dealing with the application of medical knowledge to establish facts in civil or criminal legal cases, such as an investigation into the cause and time of a suspicious death. Also known as forensic pathology.

foreskin The fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis. The inside of the foreskin has preputial glands, a special type of sebaceous (oil) glands that secrete an oily lubricant known as smegma. The foreskin is often surgically removed via circumcision. Also known as prepuce. See also circumcision, male.

foreskin, inflammation of the See posthitis.