Vertebral artery

Vertebral artery is one of the major arteries in the neck that supplies blood to the brain. It originates from the subclavian artery and ends in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery and basilar artery. The vertebral artery is divided into four parts: the prevertebral part (V1), the cervical part (V2), the atlantic part (V3), and the intracranial part (V4).

Anatomy

The vertebral artery originates from the subclavian artery and ascends in the neck to supply the posterior part of the brain. It enters the foramen transversarium of the sixth cervical vertebrae and then ascends to the foramen transversarium of the first cervical vertebrae. It then passes through the foramen magnum to enter the cranial cavity.

Clinical significance

The vertebral artery can be involved in a variety of medical conditions. These include vertebral artery dissection, which is a flap-like tear of the inner lining of the vertebral artery, and vertebral artery stenosis, which is a narrowing of the vertebral artery. Both conditions can lead to a stroke.

See also

• Carotid artery
• Circle of Willis
• Stroke

References

Vertebral artery Resources
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