Segmental medullary arteries are arteries of varying size in the thoracolumbar region that arise from segmental arteries of this region (
posterior intercostal arteries or
lumbar arteries) and pass through
intervertebral foramina to supply the
spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata in the lower brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column (backbone) of vertebrate animals. The center of the spinal c ...
.
They may join the
anterior spinal artery.
The largest anterior segmental medullary artery is known as the
artery of Adamkiewicz.
Anatomy
Development
During embryological development, about 75% of the segmental medullary arteries regress, forming the thinner (anterior and posterior)
radicular arteries (which supply the two roots and
sensory ganglion of each spinal nerve); the remaining segmental medullary arteries persist to contribute arterial supply to the spinal cord, as well as giving rise to the aforementioned radicular arteries.
Gallery
References
Arteries of the torso
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