Which term is a canal or passage through bone for nerves or vessels?

Which term is a canal or passage through bone for nerves or vessels?

• A. Meatus
• B. Foramen
• C. Fossa
• D. Groove

Answer: (A)

A canal-like passage through bone is called a meatus. This term describes a tunnel or channel within a bone that allows a structure to pass through or along the bone, such as the external auditory meatus which serves as the ear canal. The idea is a long, passageway-shaped feature, rather than a hole, a depression, or a groove. The other terms refer to different bone features: a foramen is a hole through which nerves or vessels typically pass, a fossa is a shallow depression for muscles or joints, and a groove is a long, narrow furrow guiding structures. In this context, the description matches a meatus.

A canal-like passage through bone is called a meatus. This term describes a tunnel or channel within a bone that allows a structure to pass through or along the bone, such as the external auditory meatus which serves as the ear canal. The idea is a long, passageway-shaped feature, rather than a hole, a depression, or a groove. The other terms refer to different bone features: a foramen is a hole through which nerves or vessels typically pass, a fossa is a shallow depression for muscles or joints, and a groove is a long, narrow furrow guiding structures. In this context, the description matches a meatus.