Posterior spinal artery

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Posterior spinal artery

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

Anatomy

The posterior spinal artery typically originates from the vertebral artery or the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). There are usually two posterior spinal arteries, one on each side of the spinal cord. These arteries run longitudinally along the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, parallel to the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves.

Function

The primary function of the posterior spinal artery is to supply blood to the posterior third of the spinal cord. This includes the dorsal columns, which are responsible for carrying sensory information such as fine touch, vibration, and proprioception from the body to the brain.

Clinical Significance

Damage or occlusion of the posterior spinal artery can lead to a condition known as posterior spinal artery syndrome. This condition can result in loss of proprioception and fine touch below the level of the lesion, while motor function and pain/temperature sensation may remain intact.

Related Structures

• Anterior spinal artery
• Vertebral artery
• Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
• Dorsal columns
• Spinal cord

See Also

• Spinal cord vascular supply
• Spinal cord injury
• Neuroanatomy