Vertebral Artery – Course, Segments, Branches

Vertebral Artery – Course, Segments, Branches

Describe the Vertebral Artery in brief.
Answer.

Vertebral Artery Definition

• Vertebral Artery is the largest branch of subclavian artery and is one of the two main sources of blood supply to the brain.
• Vertebral Artery runs upwards to enter the foramen transversarium of C6 vertebra. It then passes successively through the corresponding foramina of other cervical vertebrae above to reach the upper surface of C1 vertebra. Here, it turns medially in the suboccipital triangle to finally enter the cranial cavity through foramen magnum. Here, it joins the vertebral artery of opposite side at the lower border of pons to form the basilar artery.

Vertebral Artery Parts

The vertebral artery is divided into four parts:

• First part: Vertebral Artery lies in the triangle of vertebral artery.
• Second part: Vertebral Artery passes through the foramina transversaria of C6 to C1 vertebrae.
• Third part: Vertebral Arterylies in the suboccipital triangle.
• Fourth part: Vertebral Artery lies in the cranial cavity.

Vertebral Artery Branches

• In the neck:
  • Spinal branches
  • Muscular branches
• In the cranial cavity:
  • Meningeal branch
  • Anterior spinal branch
  • Posterior spinal branch
  • Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
  • Medullary branches