Vertebral Artery

Question 1

The vertebral artery on which side is typically longer?

Answer 1

Left vertebral artery

Question 2

What is the gender bias regarding size of the vertebral artery?

Answer 2

Men have larger vertebral arteries than women

Question 3

What was the name of the physical exam used to determine vertebral artery patency?

Answer 3

The vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency test

Question 4

Which side artery was tested during the course of the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency exam?

Answer 4

The ipsilateral artery on the side of rotation

Question 5

What are the symptoms of failure of the vertebral artery to compensate during the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency exam?

Answer 5

Dizziness, vertigo, and nausea are common complaints

Question 6

The vertebral artery is typically a branch of which artery?

Answer 6

Subclavian artery

Question 7

At what location will the vertebral artery form its first compensatory loop?

Answer 7

The atlanto-axial interspace

Question 8

At what location will the vertebral artery form its second compensatory loop?

Answer 8

The atlanto-occipital interspace

Question 9

At what segments will the vertebral artery be firmly attached to the transverse foramen?

Answer 9

Both C1 and C2

Question 10

What is the purpose of the vertebral artery loops between C2, C1, and occiput?

Answer 10

The increased length will accommodate the greater rotation at these locations

Question 11

What artery is formed by the union of the right and left vertebral arteries?

Answer 11

The basilar artery