Week 1 - Lesson 3 (Part 4) Flashcards
What do the vertebral arteries supply?
The posterior circulation to the brain
Where do the vertebral arteries arise from?
The subclavian arteries bilaterally
What occurs in approximately 8% of the population with the vertebral arteries?
The left vertebral may arise directly from the arch
Where do the vertebral arteries course?
Upwards for a short distance to enter the foramina transversaria of the 6th cervical vertebra
Where do the vertebral arteries go after they enter the foramina transversaria?
They travel through the transverse processes of C2-C6 towards the base of the skull
What kind of branches does the vertebral arteries give off? (2)
- Muscular branches
2. Spinal branches
Where do the vertebral arteries leave the cervical spine?
At the atlanto-occipital interspace and then loop anteriorly to enter the foramen magnum
What happens to the vertebral arteries after entering the base of the skull?
They unite at the pontomedullary junction to form the basilar artery in the midline
What is the vertebral vein formed from?
From numerous small tributaries
What do the numerous small tributaries of the vertebral veins do?
They spring from the internal vertebral venous plexuses to drain the brain tissue
What do vertebral veins unite with?
With small veins from the deep muscles at the upper part of the back of the neck
Where does the vertebral vein empty into?
Into the innominate veins
What is located in the innominate veins?
Valves
