The vertebral foramen is a critical anatomical structure in the spinal column, which allows for the passage of the spinal cord. It is essentially a canal or opening formed by the vertebrae, through which the spinal cord and its accompanying blood vessels, meninges, and nerve roots pass. Other words used interchangeably with the vertebral foramen include spinal canal, spinal foramen, spinal cord canal, and vertebral canal. These terms all refer to the same hole through which the spinal cord runs, and are crucial in understanding the structure and function of the spine.