The anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord is supplied by a single anterior spinal artery. Which segmental vessel provides the principal reinforcement to this artery and classically enters at the lower thoracic or upper lumbar level?
- A Ascending cervical artery
- B Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
- C Artery of Adamkiewicz ✓
- D Lateral sacral artery
Correct answer: C. Artery of Adamkiewicz
Explanation
The artery of Adamkiewicz, also called the arteria radicularis magna, arises typically from a left posterior intercostal or lumbar artery between T9 and L2 and contributes the major segmental inflow to the anterior spinal artery below the midthoracic region. Its territory corresponds to the watershed zone around T4 to T8, which is why cord infarction after aortic surgery presents with anterior cord syndrome at these levels. The ascending cervical artery reinforces only the cervical enlargement.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.