Segmental medullary artery | |
---|---|
Details | |
Branches | Anterior spinal artery |
Identifiers | |
Latin | arteria medullaris segmentalis |
TA98 |
A12.2.11.016 A12.2.08.007 A12.2.12.007 |
TA2 | 4535 |
FMA | 86039 |
Anatomical terminology |
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. [1] They may join the anterior spinal artery. [2]
The largest anterior segmental medullary artery is known as the artery of Adamkiewicz.[ citation needed]
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. [1]