What are the segments of the vertebral artery?

The vertebral artery is typically divided into 4 segments:

• V1: pre-foraminal segment. ​origin to the transverse foramen of C6.
• V2: foraminal segment. ​from the transverse foramen of C6 to the transverse foramen of C2.
• V3: atlantic, extradural or extraspinal segment.
• V4: intradural or intracranial segment.

What is the relationship of the vertebral artery with the internal carotid artery?

The internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and vertebral arteries (VAs) are the major arteries feeding the circle of Willis. Therefore, most models of intracranial aneurysms have their inlet boundaries along these arteries, requiring knowledge about the flow conditions in these arteries.

What are the two vertebral arteries?

Inside the skull, the two vertebral arteries join to form the basilar artery at the base of the pons. The basilar artery is the main blood supply to the brainstem and connects to the Circle of Willis to potentially supply the rest of the brain if there is compromise to one of the carotids.

Which vertebral artery is dominant?

A vertebral artery was considered dominant when a side-to-side diameter difference >0.16mm exists. In 54% of the cases the left diameter was dominant, whereas in 30% the right diameter was dominant. In 16% of the cases, the left arterial diameter was equal to the right (Table 3).

Does the vertebral artery supply blood to the brain?

There are two paired arteries which are responsible for the blood supply to the brain; the vertebral arteries, and the internal carotid arteries. Other parts of the CNS, such as the pons and spinal cord, are supplied by smaller branches from the vertebral arteries.

How are the vertebral arteries protected?

On exiting from the transverse foramen of C1, the artery and the nerve of C1 wind behind the mass of the superior articular process of the atlas (C1) to cross the posterior arch of the atlas in a groove in which the artery is held by a restraining ligament.

What does it mean when left vertebral artery is dominant?

What supplies the vertebral artery?

The vertebral artery, a component of the vertebrobasilar artery system, supplies 20% of the blood to the brain (primarily the posterior cranial fossa), with the remaining 80% being supplied by the carotid system.

What is the function of the vertebral artery?

The vertebral arteries are major arteries in the neck which help to supply blood to significant portions of the brain. These arteries branch off from the subclavian arteries, which are located in the chest and receive blood directly from the aorta of the heart.

Where is the vertebral artery located?

The vertebral artery is part of the Circle of Willis, a ring or circle of arteries located at the base of the brain. The vertebral artery originates from two main blood vessels of the upper chest called the subclavian arteries.

What is artery arises from the vertebral artery?

The posterior inferior cerebellar artery usually arises from the vertebral artery, but its position of origin is quite variable on the parent vessel. On the whole brain follow the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) as it travels along the lateral and posterior surface of the medulla.