Vessel
Vertebral artery
Posterior brain supply
High-yield
Passes through the transverse foramina of C6–C1, then the foramen magnum; the two unite to form the basilar artery (posterior circulation).
Overview
A branch of the subclavian artery that ascends through the cervical transverse foramina and the foramen magnum to supply the posterior brain.
Reference facts
- Type
Muscular artery
- Origin
Subclavian artery (first part)
- Branches / tributaries
Anterior and posterior spinal arteries; Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA)
- Supplies
Cervical spinal cord, brainstem, and posterior brain (via the basilar artery)
- Course
Ascends through the transverse foramina of C6 to C1, crosses the posterior arch of the atlas, and enters the skull through the foramen magnum