Vertebral Artery Flashcards Preview

Spinal Anatomy I - Exam 2 > Vertebral Artery > Flashcards

Flashcards in Vertebral Artery Deck (15)
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1
Q

What is the average blood flow within the vertebral artery?

A

about 45 ml/min

2
Q

The vertebral artery on which side is typically larger?

A

left vertebral artery

3
Q

What is the gender bias regarding size of the vertebral artery?

A

men have larger vertebral arteries than women

4
Q

What was the name of the physical exam used to determine vertebral artery patency?

A

the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency test

5
Q

Which side artery was tested during the course of the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency exam?

A

the ipsilateral artery on the side of rotation

6
Q

What are the symptoms of failure of the vertebral artery to compensate during the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency exam?

A

dizziness, vertigo, nausea are common complaints

7
Q

The vertebral artery is typically a branch of which artery?

A

subclavian artery

8
Q

Typically, at what vertebral level will the vertebral artery first become located in the transverse foramen?

A

C6

9
Q

At what location will the vertebral artery form its first compensatory loop?

A

the atlanto-axial interspace

10
Q

At what location will the vertebral artery form its second compensatory loop?

A

the atlanto-occipital interspace

11
Q

At what segments will the vertebral artery be firmly attached to the transverse foramen?

A

both C1 and C2

12
Q

What is the purpose of the vertebral artery loops between C2, C1, and occiput?

A

the increased length will accommodate the greater rotation at these locations

13
Q

What happens to the vertebral artery as it enters the vertebral foramen of C1?

A

the adventitia of the artery blends with the dura mater and arachnoid mater; as a result the artery lies in the subarachnoid space

14
Q

What happens to the vertebral artery after it enters the subarachnoid space at C1?

A

the vertebral artery ascends along the medulla oblongata to the pontine-medullary junction where the right and left arteries unite to form the basilar artery

15
Q

What artery is formed by the union of the right and left vertebral arteries?

A

the basilar artery