Skip to main content

Abstract

The paired vertebral arteries are the first and largest branches of the subclavian arteries. They arise from the subclavian arteries, usually ascend through the transverse processes of the upper six cervical vertebrae, pass behind the lateral masses of the atlas, enter the dura mater behind the occipital condyles, ascend through the foramen magnum to the front of the medulla, and join the contralateral vertebral artery to form the basilar artery at the pontomedullary junction. Each artery is divided into intradural and extradural parts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Tubbs RS, Salter EG, Wellons JC, et al. (2005) The triangle of the vertebral artery. Neurosurgery 56(ONS Suppl. 2):252–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Ikegami A, Ohtani Y, Ohtani O (2007) Bilateral variations of the vertebral arteries: the left originating from the aortic arch and the left and right entering the C5 transverse foramina. Anat Sci Int 82:175–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Bruneau M, Cornelius JF, George B (2006) Anterolateral approach to the V1 segment of the vertebral artery. Neurosurgery 58(ONS Suppl. 2):215–9.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bruneau M, Cornelius JF, Marneffe V, Triffaux M, George B (2006) Anatomical variations of the V2 segment of the vertebral artery. Neurosurgery 59(ONS Suppl. l):20–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Kawashima M, Tanriover N, Rhoton AL, Matsushima T (2003) The transverse process, intertransverse space, and vertebral artery in anterior approaches to the lower cervical spine. J Neurosurg (Spine 2) 98:188–94.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Martins C, Yasuda A, Campero A, et al. (2005) Microsurgical anatomy of the dural arteries. Neurosurgery 56(ONS Suppl.2):211–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Bruneau M, Cornelius JF, George B (2006) Antero-lateral approach to the V3 segment of the vertebral artery. Neurosurgery 58(ONS Suppl. l):29–35.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Rhoton AL (2000) The far-lateral approach and its trans-condylar, supracondylar, and paracondylar extensions. Neurosurgery 47(Suppl.):195–209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Rhoton AL (2000) The foramen magnum. Neurosurgery 47(Suppl): 155–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Rhoton AL (1998) Anatomical basis of surgical approaches to the region of the foramen magnum. In: Dickman CA, Spetzler RF, Sonntag VKH (eds) Surgery of the craniovertebral junction. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., New York, p. 13–57.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Wen HT, Rhoton AL, Katsuta T, de Oliveira E (1997) Microsurgical anatomy of the transcondylar, supracondylar, and paracondylar extensions of the far-lateral approach. J Neurosurg 87:555–85.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Heros RC (1991) Inferolateral suboccipital approach for vertebral and vertebrobasilar aneurysms. In: Wilkins RH, Rengachary SS (eds) Neurosurgery update: vascular, spinal, pediatric, and functional neurosurgery, vol. II. McGraw-Hill, New York, p. 106–9.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Gupta T (2008) Quantitative anatomy of vertebral artery groove on the posterior arch of atlas in relation to spinal surgical procedures. Surg Radiol Anat 30:239–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Fine AF, Cardoso A, Rhoton AL (1999) Microsurgical anatomy of the extracranial-extradural origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. J Neurosurg 91:645–52.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. de Oliveira E, Rhoton AL, Peace D (1985) Microsurgical anatomy of the region of the foramen magnum. Surg Neurol 24:293–352.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Gray H (1977) Gray’s anatomy. Bounty Books, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Lister JR, Rhoton AL, Matsushima T, Peace D (1982) Microsurgical anatomy of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Neurosurgery 10:170–99.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Matsushima T, Rhoton AL, Lenkey C (1982) Microsurgery of the fourth ventricle: part 1 — microsurgical anatomy. Neurosurgery 11: 631–67.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag France, Paris

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Campero, A., Rubino, P.A., Rhoton, A.L. (2011). Anatomy of the vertebral artery. In: Pathology and surgery around the vertebral artery. Springer, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-287-89787-0_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-287-89787-0_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Paris

  • Print ISBN: 978-2-287-89786-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-2-287-89787-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics