Final answer:
The spinal cord passes through the foramen magnum, which is the largest foramen of the skull located in the occipital bone. This allows the spinal cord to connect with the brain and enables the vertebral arteries to enter the cranium. Additionally, the spinal cord passes through the vertebral foramen of each individual vertebra, forming the vertebral canal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spinal cord passes through the foramen magnum. The term 'foramen magnum' translates to 'great hole' in Latin and it is the largest foramen in the skull. This large opening located in the occipital bone of the skull allows the spinal cord to connect with the brain and let the vertebral arteries enter the cranium.
The foramen ovale is another important opening, but it mainly provides passage for a major sensory nerve to the lateral head, cheek, chin, and lower teeth - not for the spinal cord. The mental foramen is part of the mandible bone and it provides an entrance for the mental nerve and vessels. The condyloid foramen is a pair of foramina located in the occipital bone, transmitting the hypoglossal nerve which is involved in controlling tongue movements.
The spinal cord is also associated with the vertebral foramen. Each individual vertebra has a vertebral foramen that provides passage for the spinal cord. The full series of individual vertebral foramina forms the vertebral canal which houses the spinal cord.
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