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.
Verified by Dr. Petya Stefanova
