What is unique about vertebral arteries?
The vertebral arteries are part of the circulatory system. They carry blood to the brain and spinal cord, which are part of the nervous system. The vertebral artery provides 20% of blood flow to your brain (the carotid artery supplies the other 80%). The vertebral arteries have many small branches.
What artery supplies the parathyroid glands?
In 9 (45%) of the 20 cases specifically examined, a distinct anastomosing branch was identified between the inferior and the superior thyroid arteries, from which the upper parathyroid artery arose. Conclusions: Our study documented that the superior thyroid artery almost always supplies the upper parathyroid glands.
What is vertebral artery syndrome?
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a condition characterized by poor blood flow to the posterior (back) portion of the brain, which is fed by two vertebral arteries that join to become the basilar artery. Blockage of these arteries occurs over time through a process called atherosclerosis, or the build-up of plaque.
Where does the vertebral artery originate from?
The vertebral artery (VA), which usually arises from the posterosuperior aspect of the first part of the subclavian artery and enters into the intracranial space via the dura mater at first cervical vertebra (C) and reaches C6 after traveling through the foramen transversarium, is an important blood supply of the …
What structure in the cervical vertebrae does the vertebral artery go through?
As we’ve seen, seen, the vertebral artery arises from the subclavian artery in the root of the neck. It runs straight upwards, and disappears to pass through the opening in the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra.
Where is the vertebral artery most vulnerable?
Extracranial VADs The vertebral artery is most mobile and thus most vulnerable to mechanical injury at C1 to C2 as it leaves the transverse foramen of the axis vertebra and suddenly turns to enter the intracranial cavity.
What is the anatomical position of the parathyroid gland?
The parathyroid glands are two pairs of small, oval-shaped glands. They are located next to the two thyroid gland lobes in the neck. Each gland is usually about the size of a pea.
Why is there such variation in location of parathyroid glands?
Migration patterns during embryogenesis may cause the parathyroid glands to exhibit a variation in location. However, there are particular characteristics of migration observed that can help to identify superior and inferior parathyroid glands.
Which structure is pierced by vertebral artery?
After entering the vertebral canal, the vertebral artery pierces the dura mater and courses superiorly over the anterior surface of the medulla oblongata.
What area of the brain does the vertebral artery supply?
As the supplying component of the vertebrobasilar vascular system, the vertebral arteries supply blood to the upper spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior part of brain.
Are there sympathetic nerves in the parathyroid glands?
Nerves The parathyroid glands have an extensive supply of sympathetic nerves derived from thyroid branches of the cervical ganglia. Note: these nerves are vasomotor, not secretomotor – endocrine secretion of parathyroid hormone is under hormonal control. Clinical Relevance: Parathyroid Glands and Hypocalcaemia
Where are the superior parathyroid glands located in the thyroid?
Superior parathyroid glands (x2) – derived from the fourth pharyngeal pouch. They are located at the middle of the posterior border of each thyroid lobe, approximately 1cm superior to the entry of the inferior thyroid artery into the thyroid gland.
Where is the venous drainage from the parathyroid glands?
Venous drainage is into the superior, middle , and inferior thyroid veins. The lymphatic drainage from the parathyroid glands is to the paratracheal and deep cervical nodes.
What is the percentage of duplication of vertebral arteries?
asymmetry due to vertebral arterial hypoplasia, absence or termination into PICA of one of the vertebral arteries is very common left dominant ~45% (range 42-50%) right dominant ~30% (range 25-32%) co-dominant ~25% (range 25-26%) complete or partial vertebral artery duplication. vertebral artery fenestration.