Figure 8

Figure 8

The vertebral arteries have a complex and variable course from the transverse foramen of the cervical spine to the foramen magnum

The-vertebral-arteries-have-a-complex-and-variable-course-from-the-transverse-foramen-of-the-cervical-spine-to-the-foramen-magnum----The-vertebral-artery-has-three-90-degree-turns-within-the-lateral-bone-of-C2----The-first-turn-involves-posterior-displacement--the-second-one-cephalad-angulation--and-the-third-one-angulation-towards-the-midline---The-vertebral-artery-is-lateral-to-the-pedicle-of-C2-and-cephalad-to-the-pedicle-of-C2----The-vertebral-artery-is-lateral-to-the-lateral-mass-of-C1-and-cephalad-to-the-posterior-arch-of-C1---The-carotid-arteries-are-immediately-anterior-to-the-lateral-aspect-of-the-cervical-spine-in-the-cephalad-area--within-five-millimeters-of-the-anterior-bony-margin-of-C1-and-C2-lateral-masses----

The vertebral arteries have a complex and variable course from the transverse foramen of the cervical spine to the foramen magnum. The vertebral artery has three 90 degree turns within the lateral bone of C2. The first turn involves posterior displacement, the second one cephalad angulation, and the third one angulation towards the midline. The vertebral artery is lateral to the pedicle of C2 and cephalad to the pedicle of C2. The vertebral artery is lateral to the lateral mass of C1 and cephalad to the posterior arch of C1. The carotid arteries are immediately anterior to the lateral aspect of the cervical spine in the cephalad area, within five millimeters of the anterior bony margin of C1 and C2 lateral masses.

Level:

Structures:

 

 

Other Structures:

Pathology:

Procedure:

View:

Entire occipitocervical junction

Neural: Brainstem and spinal cord

Dura

Vascular: Carotid artery and vertebral arteries

Pharynx and esophagus

Normal

None

Composite (3/4), Front, Lateral, Caudal