Abstract
We report an elderly male cadaver with unilateral anomalous continuation of the ascending cervical artery as the occipital artery. The ascending cervical artery was enlarged from its origin and supplied segmental branches through the intervertebral foramina. At the upper cervical spine, the ascending cervical artery continued as the occipital artery providing the branches normally seen stemming from this artery. No other vascular anomalies were noted in this specimen. This anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by the clinician or academic who may manipulate this anatomical area.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Benson MT, Hamer JD (1988) Anomalous origin of the occipital artery from the cervical internal carotid artery. J Vasc Surg 8, 643–5.
Bergman RA, Thompson SA, Afifi AK, Saadeh FA (1984) Compendium of Human Anatomic Variation: Catalog, Atlas and World Literature. Urban & Schwarzenberg, Baltimore.
Daseler EH, Anson BJ (1959) Surgical anatomy of the subclavian artery and its branches. Surg Gynecol Obstet 108, 149–74.
Hollinshead WH (1982) Anatomy for Surgeons the Head and Neck, 3rd edn. J.B. Lippincott, Philadelphia.
Lasjaunias PL (1981) Craniofacial and Upper Cervical Arteries: Funcitional, Clinical and Angiographic Aspects. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore.
Sadler TW (2000) Langman’s Medical Embryology, 7th edn. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tubbs, R.S., Salter, G. & Oakes, W.J. Continuation of the ascending cervical artery as the occipital artery in man. Anato Sci Int 79, 43–45 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-073x.2004.00062.x
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-073x.2004.00062.x