VERTEBRAL ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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The vertebral artery is a major blood vessel located in the neck region that supplies vital oxygenated blood to the brain. It is a pair of arteries originating from the subclavian arteries on each side, which ascend through the vertebral column to join together and form the basilar artery.
The vertebral arteries pass through small holes in the vertebrae known as transverse foramina, which provide a protected pathway for the arteries as they move towards the brain. As they ascend, these arteries also give off small branches to provide blood flow to the surrounding muscles and tissues.
Once the vertebral arteries join together at the base of the skull, they form the basilar artery, which gives rise to several important branches that supply blood to various parts of the brain, including the brainstem and the cerebellum.
The vertebral artery is crucial for maintaining proper blood flow and oxygen supply to the posterior part of the brain. Any disruptions or occlusions in this artery can lead to serious health complications, such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Disorders that affect the structure or function of the vertebral artery, such as cervical spine degenerative diseases, can compromise blood flow and necessitate medical intervention.
Overall, the vertebral artery plays a vital role in the circulatory system, ensuring that the brain receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal functioning.
Common Misspellings for VERTEBRAL ARTERY
- bertebral artery
- gertebral artery
- fertebral artery
- vwrtebral artery
- vsrtebral artery
- vdrtebral artery
- vrrtebral artery
- v4rtebral artery
- v3rtebral artery
- veetebral artery
- vedtebral artery
- veftebral artery
- vettebral artery
- ve5tebral artery
- ve4tebral artery
- verrebral artery
- verfebral artery
- vergebral artery
- veryebral artery
Etymology of VERTEBRAL ARTERY
The word "vertebral" comes from the Latin word "vertebra", which means "joint" or "joint of the spine". This term is derived from the Latin verb "verto", meaning "to turn". "Artery" comes from the Latin word "arteria", which is derived from the Greek word "arteria", meaning "windpipe" or "artery". The term "vertebral artery" refers to the artery that runs through the spinal vertebrae, supplying blood to the spinal cord and the brain.
Similar spelling words for VERTEBRAL ARTERY
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