The vertebral artery is a crucial vessel supplying the posterior brain. It is divided into four anatomical parts, each with unique features. In this post, we focus on the second part, also known as the foraminal part, which courses through the cervical spine.
Understanding this segment is essential for students learning neurovascular anatomy, especially due to its close relation to cervical vertebrae and clinical conditions like vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
 |
| The diagram illustrates the foraminal course of the vertebral artery as it ascends through the transverse foramina of cervical vertebrae C6 to C2. |
Anatomical Location
- Begins at the transverse foramen of C6
- Ends at the transverse foramen of C2
- Lies within the foramina transversaria of C6 to C2
- Accompanied by vertebral veins and sympathetic nerve plexus
Function and Importance
- Transmits blood to the posterior circulation of the brain
- Protected within the bony foramina, but vulnerable to mechanical compression
- Important in maintaining cerebellar and brainstem perfusion
Clinical Relevance
- Prone to compression with neck hyperextension or rotation
- May contribute to vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), leading to dizziness, visual disturbances, and fainting
- Injury during cervical spine trauma or surgical procedures can compromise posterior brain circulation
- Appears in imaging during evaluation of posterior stroke syndromes
Study Tip: Visualize this part with a cervical spine model. Trace the artery’s course physically from C6 to C2 to reinforce spatial understanding.
Tags
Anatomy