Figure 19 The vertebral artery has a complex course through the occipital cervical junction The vertebral artery has a complex course through the occipital cervical junction. In this region, it has four 90 degree turns between C1 and C2 prior to entering the foramen magnum. The carotid artery is immediately anterior to the occipital cervical junction. Level: Structures: Other Structures: Pathology: Procedure: View: C1 – C2 Neural: Brainstem and spinal cord Dura Vascular: Carotid artery and vertebral arteries None Normal None Composite (3/4), Front, Lateral, Caudal