Vertebral Artery

The vertebral artery is a major artery of the neck that plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the posterior part of the brain. It typically arises from the subclavian artery and ascends through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae, usually beginning at the level of C6. After exiting the transverse foramen of the atlas (C1), it courses medially and superiorly to enter the cranial cavity via the foramen magnum. Within the cranium, the left and right vertebral arteries converge at the pontomedullary junction to form the basilar artery, which is a key component of the posterior circulation of the brain.