Anterior spinal artery

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== Anterior Spinal Artery ==

The anterior spinal artery is a critical blood vessel that supplies blood to the anterior portion of the spinal cord. It is one of the three main arteries that provide the spinal cord with oxygenated blood, the other two being the posterior spinal arteries.

Anatomy

The anterior spinal artery originates from the vertebral arteries, which are branches of the subclavian arteries. The vertebral arteries ascend through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae and merge to form the basilar artery at the base of the brain. Before merging, each vertebral artery gives off a branch that joins to form the single anterior spinal artery.

The anterior spinal artery runs along the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord, extending from the medulla oblongata down to the conus medullaris. It supplies the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord, including the anterior horn, anterior funiculus, and the lateral funiculus.

Function

The primary function of the anterior spinal artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the anterior portion of the spinal cord. This area includes the motor neurons responsible for voluntary movement, as well as the spinothalamic tract, which transmits pain and temperature sensations.

Clinical Significance

Damage or occlusion of the anterior spinal artery can lead to a condition known as anterior spinal artery syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by loss of motor function and pain and temperature sensation below the level of the lesion, while proprioception and vibration sense, which are carried by the dorsal columns, remain intact.

Related Structures

• Posterior spinal arteries
• Vertebral arteries
• Basilar artery
• Spinal cord
• Medulla oblongata
• Conus medullaris
• Anterior horn
• Anterior funiculus
• Lateral funiculus
• Spinothalamic tract
• Dorsal columns

See Also

• Spinal cord vascular supply
• Spinal cord injury
• Neuroanatomy