VERTEBRAL ARTERY AND MIDDLE MENINGEAL ARTERY

Vertebral Artery and Middle Meningeal Artery

Vertebral Artery

The vertebral artery is a vital artery that supplies the brain with blood. It arises from the subclavian artery and runs through the neck and the cranial cavity.

Parts

• Vertebral artery has four parts:
  • First part: Arises from the subclavian artery and runs upwards through the neck.
  • Second part: Enters the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae and runs forward and laterally.
  • Third part: Runs through the foramen magnum and reaches the posterior cranial fossa.
  • Fourth part: Runs backwards and joins the basilar artery.

Course

• The vertebral artery runs through the neck and the cranial cavity.
• It enters the cranial cavity through the foramen magnum.
• It joins the basilar artery and forms the circle of Willis.

Relations

• The vertebral artery is related to the following structures:
  • Vertebral vein
  • Internal carotid artery
  • Jugular vein
  • Transverse process of cervical vertebrae

Branches

• The vertebral artery gives off the following branches:
  • Anterior spinal artery: Arises from the second part of the vertebral artery and supplies the spinal cord.
  • Posterior spinal artery: Arises from the second part of the vertebral artery and supplies the spinal cord.
  • Muscular branches: Arise from the second part of the vertebral artery and supply the muscles of the neck.
  • Meningeal branches: Arise from the third part of the vertebral artery and supply the meninges.

Middle Meningeal Artery

The middle meningeal artery is a vital artery that supplies the dura mater and the calvaria with blood. It arises from the maxillary artery and runs through the skull.

Parts

• The middle meningeal artery has two parts:
  • Superior part: Arises from the maxillary artery and runs through the foramen spinosum.
  • Inferior part: Enters the cranial cavity and runs forwards and medially.

Course

• The middle meningeal artery runs through the foramen spinosum and enters the cranial cavity.
• It runs forwards and medially and anastomoses with the anterior and posterior branches of the middle meningeal artery.

Relations

• The middle meningeal artery is related to the following structures:
  • Dura mater
  • Calvaria
  • Foramen spinosum
  • Foramen ovale

Branches

• The middle meningeal artery gives off the following branches:
  • Anterior branches: Arise from the superior part of the middle meningeal artery and supply the frontal lobe of the brain.
  • Posterior branches: Arise from the superior part of the middle meningeal artery and supply the temporal lobe of the brain.

Applied Anatomy

• The vertebral artery and middle meningeal artery are both important for surgical procedures such as carotid endarterectomy and craniotomy.
• The vertebral artery is also important for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral artery dissection and stenosis.
• The middle meningeal artery is also important for the diagnosis and treatment of subdural hematoma and epidural hematoma.