Vertebral Artery Flashcards
What is the gender bias regarding size of the vertebral artery?
men have larger vertebral arteries than women
What was the name of the physical exam used to determine vertebral artery patency?
the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency test
Which side artery was tested during the course of the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency exam?
ipsilateral artery on the side of rotation
What are the symptoms of failure of the vertebral artery to compensate during the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency exam?
dizziness, vertigo, nausea are common complaints
The vertebral artery is typically a branch of which artery?
subclavian artery
Typically, at which vertebral level will the vertebral artery first become located in the transverse foramen?
C6
At what location will the vertebral artery form its first compensatory loop?
the atlanto-occipital interspace
At what segments will the vertebral artery be firmly attached to the transverse foramen?
both C1 and C2
What is the purpose of the vertebral artery loops between C2, C1, and occiput?
the increased length will accommodate the greater rotation at these locations
What happens to the vertebral artery as it enters the vertebral foramen of C1?
the adventitia of the artery blends with the dura mater and arachnoid mater; as a result the artery lies in the subarachnoid space
What happens to the vertebral artery after it enters the subarachnoid space at C1?
the vertebral artery ascends along the medulla oblongata to the pontine-medullary junction where the right and left arteries unite to form the basilar artery
What artery is formed by the union of the right and left vertebral arteries?
the basilar artery
