Vertebral Artery

1. Anatomy:

   – The vertebral arteries run along both sides of the neck, originating from the subclavian arteries (major blood supply for each arm).

   – Each vertebral artery travels through the transverse foramina (holes in the vertebrae) alongside the internal carotid artery.

   – Segments:

     – V1 (preforaminal): Arises in the subclavian artery, enters the lowest neck vertebra (C6), and runs behind the carotid artery.

     – V2 (foraminal): Passes through the lower four neck vertebrae, accompanied by nerves and veins, then twists to access the second neck vertebra (C2).

     – V3 (atlantic, extradural, or extraspinal): Emerges from C2, sweeps across to pass through the foramen of the top neck vertebra (C1), and reaches the dura and arachnoid (membranes surrounding the brain).

     – V4 (intradural or intracranial): Ascends behind the hypoglossal nerve, joins its counterpart from the other side of the neck, and forms the basilar artery at the base of the pons (brainstem region).

   – Important branches include those supplying the occipital triangle, spinal branches, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).

 

2. Function and Clinical Significance:

The vertebral artery provides blood to:

     – Neck vertebrae

     – Upper spinal column

     – Posterior fossa (base of the skull near brainstem and cerebellum)

     – Occipital lobes of the brain

   – It contributes 20% of blood flow to the brain, with the remaining 80% supplied by the carotid artery.

 

References:

(1) Vertebral Artery: Anatomy, Function, and Significance – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/vertebral-artery-anatomy-4687190.

(2) Vertebral Artery: Anatomy, Function, and Significance – Verywell Health. https://bing.com/search?q=vertebral+artery+anatomy+and+clinical+significance.

(3) Vertebral Artery: What Is It, Location, Anatomy and Function. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21689-vertebral-artery.

(4) Vertebral artery – Course, Segments, Branches | Kenhub. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/vertebral-artery.

(5) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertebral_artery.

Verifiziert von Dr. Petya Stefanova

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