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Anatomy

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The vertebral artery supplies the medulla and the inferior surface of the cerebellum.

It arises from the subclavian artery and travels through the foramen of the transverse processes of the mid-cervical vertebrae. It swings laterally through the transverse process of the axis and upwards to the atlas across the suboccipital triangle to the vertebral canal. It pierces the dura and arachnoid mater and passes through the foramen magnum into the cranial cavity. It forms the basilar artery at the lower border of the pons when it unites with it's fellow.

In 10% of cases, one vertebral artery does not develop fully.

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