VERTEBRAL ARTERIES Meaning and
Definition
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The vertebral arteries are a pair of blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the brain and other structures within the skull. They are major arteries of the neck and are branches of the subclavian arteries. The vertebral arteries arise from the first part of the subclavian arteries near the base of the neck and ascend through the openings in the transverse processes of the upper six cervical vertebrae.
Once inside the skull, the two vertebral arteries join together to form the basilar artery, which provides blood to the posterior part of the brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem. The vertebral arteries also give rise to branches that supply blood to the spinal cord, muscles, and tissues of the neck.
The blood flow through the vertebral arteries is crucial for maintaining proper brain function, as they deliver oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. Any disruption or blockage in the flow of blood through these arteries can lead to serious health conditions, such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency or stroke.
The vertebral arteries are often monitored and assessed in clinical settings using various imaging techniques, such as Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomography angiography (CTA), to evaluate their size, shape, and any potential blockages or abnormalities. Understanding the anatomy and function of the vertebral arteries is essential in diagnosing and managing conditions related to these important blood vessels.
Common Misspellings for VERTEBRAL ARTERIES
- bertebral arteries
- gertebral arteries
- fertebral arteries
- vwrtebral arteries
- vsrtebral arteries
- vdrtebral arteries
- vrrtebral arteries
- v4rtebral arteries
- v3rtebral arteries
- veetebral arteries
- vedtebral arteries
- veftebral arteries
- vettebral arteries
- ve5tebral arteries
- ve4tebral arteries
- verrebral arteries
- verfebral arteries
- vergebral arteries
- veryebral arteries
- ver6ebral arteries
Etymology of VERTEBRAL ARTERIES
The word vertebral originates from the Latin word vertebra, which means joint or bone. This is derived from the Latin verb vertere, which means to turn or to twist. The term artery comes from the Latin word arteria, which is derived from the Greek word arteria, meaning windpipe or artery.
