Description
The arterial supply of the vertebral column and the spinal cord are linked. The spinal cord itself receives one anterior and two posterior spinal arteries that arise from the vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, respectively. These spinal arteries run longitudinally along the entire length of the spinal cord, from the medulla to the conus medullaris.
The vertebrae receive blood from spinal branches arising from the vertebral and ascending cervical arteries in the neck, posterior intercostal arteries in the thorax, lumbar arteries in the lumbar region, and sacral arteries in the pelvis.
These spinal branches also contribute to the arterial supply of the spinal cord, reinforcing the anterior and posterior spinal arteries. The spinal branches enter the intervertebral foramina, accompanied by the spinal nerves. The spinal branches give rise to radicular or segmental medullary arteries that distribute to the roots of the spinal nerves and to the spinal cord, respectively.
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Artery
Arteries are vessels transporting blood between heart, tissues, and other organs in order to supply them with nutrition and oxygen.
