The anterior spinal artery originates from which arteries?

The anterior spinal artery originates from which arteries?

• A. Vertebral arteries
• B. Internal carotid arteries
• C. Radicular arteries
• D. External carotid arteries

Answer: (A)

The anterior spinal artery is formed from branches that arise from the vertebral arteries as they ascend to supply the spinal cord. These small feeders from each vertebral artery unite to create a single midline vessel that runs along the ventral (anterior) surface of the spinal cord and supplies the anterior two-thirds of it. It’s further reinforced by segmental medullary arteries, such as the great radicular artery, but its primary origin is the vertebral arteries. The internal carotid arteries and external carotid arteries do not directly give rise to the anterior spinal artery, and while radicular arteries supply reinforcing feeders, they are not the primary origin of the vessel along the cord.

The anterior spinal artery is formed from branches that arise from the vertebral arteries as they ascend to supply the spinal cord. These small feeders from each vertebral artery unite to create a single midline vessel that runs along the ventral (anterior) surface of the spinal cord and supplies the anterior two-thirds of it. It’s further reinforced by segmental medullary arteries, such as the great radicular artery, but its primary origin is the vertebral arteries. The internal carotid arteries and external carotid arteries do not directly give rise to the anterior spinal artery, and while radicular arteries supply reinforcing feeders, they are not the primary origin of the vessel along the cord.