Arteries of the vertebral column

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Although the vertebral column extends from the base of the cranium all the way to the pelvic girdle, its vascular supply remains relatively similar throughout its entirety. Similar intricate vessels supply each vertebra, with the difference lying in their parent arteries which can vary between vertebral regions.

Each vertebra is supplied by a number of spinal, periosteal, pre/postcentral and pre/postlaminar vessels which arise from larger parent arteries. The vertebrae of the cervical region primarily receive their arterial supply from the vertebral and ascending cervical arteries. The posterior intercostal and subcostal arteries supply vertebrae of the thoracic region, the lumbar arteries supply vertebrae of the lumbar region, while the vertebrae of the sacral region receive their blood supply from the iliolumbar and lateral and medial sacral arteries.

Find out more about the arteries of the vertebral column by watching the video below.

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