How is the blood supply to the spinal cord arranged?

The majority of the spinal cord blood supply is provided by the segmental spinal arteries, with further supply coming from the vertebral arteries via a single anterior spinal artery and paired posterior spinal arteries. The segmental and spinal arteries are linked by numerous anastomoses.

Where does the spinal cord need reinforced blood supply?

The medullary segmental arteries are located chiefly where the need for a good blood supply to the spinal cord is greatest—the cervical and lumbar enlargements. These arteries enter the vertebral canal through the intervertebral foramina and reinforce the anterior and paired posterior spinal arteries.

How many arteries supply the spinal cord?

three longitudinal arteries
The arterial supply to the spinal cord is via three longitudinal arteries – the anterior spinal artery and the paired posterior spinal arteries. Anterior spinal artery – formed from branches of the vertebral arteries. They travel in the anterior median fissure.

What is blood supply?

Blood vessels circulate blood throughout your body. They help deliver oxygen to vital organs and tissues, and also remove waste products. Blood vessels include veins, arteries and capillaries. Function.

How many veins are in the spinal cord?

The spinal cord blood is drained by two major veins: the dorsal spinal and the ventral spinal veins (Fig.

Do spinal discs have a blood supply?

Because the tissues are avascular, disc cells depend on the blood supply at the margins of the discs for their nutrients. The nucleus and inner anulus of the disc are supplied by capillaries that arise in the vertebral bodies, penetrate the subchondral bone, and terminate at the bone-disc junction.

Where is spinal artery?

The anterior spinal artery is located in the midline. In the cervical and upper thoracic cord, contributions to the anterior spinal artery are from the vertebral, cervical, and superior intercostal arteries. A small component of supply to the mid-thoracic cord arises from the mid-thoracic intercostal arteries.