Posterior Segmental Medullary Artery (Thoracic; Left)

Origin

The segmental medullary, or radiculomedullary, arteries are described as feeder arteries that arise from the radicular arteries, particularly at the lower cervical, lower thoracic, and upper lumbar regions of the spinal cord (Standring, 2020). There are about 10-23 posterior segmental medullary arteries along the length of the spinal cord (Jones et al., 2013).

Course

The posterior segmental medullary artery follows the course of the posterior roots of the spinal cord, medially, through the intervertebral foramina. It is large enough to reach the posterior spinal arteries, which sits in the posterolateral sulci of the spinal cord.

Branches

There are no direct branches of the posterior segmental artery; however, it anastomoses with the posterior spinal arteries.

Supplied Structures

The posterior segmental medullary artery supplies the posterior roots and rootlets of the spinal cord, the spinal ganglia, and the posterior one third of the spinal cord.

List of Clinical Correlates

- Ischemic neurologic injury

References

Jones, H. R., Burns, T., Aminoff, M. J. and Pomeroy, S. (2013) The Netter Collection of Medical Illustrations: Nervous System, Volume 7, Part 1 - Brain e-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Standring, S. (2020) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd edn.: Elsevier Health Sciences.