What is the term for an opening in a bone through which blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments pass?

The term for an opening in a bone through which blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments pass is "foramen." This term specifically refers to any natural opening or hole in a bone, allowing passage for various structures, such as arteries, veins, and nerves that supply and communicate with different parts of the body. The foramen serves a vital role in the anatomy of the skeleton, facilitating the connection between different systems within the body.

In contrast, a canal generally refers to a tubular passage within a bone that may contain nerves or blood vessels, but it is not as universally applied to all openings. A fissure describes a narrow, elongated opening, often associated with a split or cleft in a structure, but it does not signify a general passage suitable for all types of vessels and nerves. Lastly, a sinus is a cavity within a bone, often filled with air and lined with mucous membrane, which plays a role in regulating air pressure and humidity but is not classified as an opening for blood vessels, nerves, or ligaments. Thus, "foramen" is the most accurate description of the type of opening referenced in the question.