The term [foramen transversarium] is Latin for "transverse foramen". It refers to bilateral foramina (openings) found lateral to the vertebral body in the cervical vertebrae. These foramina are found only in cervical vertebrae and serve as a good way to identify them.

Through the foramina transversaria (plural form) pass the vertebral artery and vertebral vein. The vertebral artery is one of the first branches to arise off the subclavian arteries. While the vertebral vein passes through all seven foramina transversaria, the vertebral artery does not pass through the foramen transversarium of the seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens).

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