Welcome to International Journal of Anatomy and Research

Type of Article: Original Research

Year: 2016 | Volume 4 | Issue 2 | Page No. 2381-2385

Date of Publication: 31-05-2016

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2016.224

MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE VERTEBRAL ARTERIES IN ADULT HUMAN CADAVERS

Geetharani BG ^*1, Shashirekha M ², Betty Anna Jose ³, Aga Ammar Murthuza ³.

^*1 Senior tutor, Department of Anatomy, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

² Professor, Department of Anatomy, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Address: Dr. Geetha Rani B.G., Senior tutor, Department of Anatomy, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru – 560066, Karnataka, India.
E-Mail: lalithgeetha246@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Background: Missing anatomical variations in the vertebrobasilar system can lead to catastrophic sequel in surgeries like atlanto axial screw fixation and anterior cordectomy etc.  The aim of the present study was to examine the vertebral arteries in south Indian population.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Vydehi institute of medical sciences, Bangalore. Intracranial parts of vertebral arteries were studied in 20 human adult brain specimens of both genders obtained from embalmed human cadavers. Diameters of the intracranial part of vertebral arteries of were measured using a digital verniers caliper.
Results: All the vertebral arteries originated from the first part of subclavian artery. There was no difference in the course of Right and left vertebral arteries. Later both the vertebral arteries joined to form the basilar artery most commonly at the pontomedullary junction. The intracranial part of Left vertebral artery was greater in size than the right vertebral artery in most of the specimens. However one specimen showed the presence of left hypoplastic vertebral artery and therefore the right vertebral artery was the main contributing artery in the formation of basilar artery.
Conclusion: Understanding and reporting of the anatomical variations of vertebral arties is essential to create awareness that can aid in various surgical and radiological procedures.
Key Words: Subclavian Artery, Vertebral Artery, Pontomedullary Junction, Basilar Artery Left Hypoplastic Vertebral Artery.

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Geetharani BG, Shashirekha M, Betty Anna Jose, Aga Ammar Murthuza. MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE VERTEBRAL ARTERIES IN ADULT HUMAN CADAVERS. Int J Anat Res 2016;4(2):2381-2385. DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2016.224