Drawing an anatomy tutorial for the vertebral artery.
The vertebral artery arises from the upper aspect of the first part of the subclavian artery, runs vertically upwards to enter the foramen transversarium of the transverse process of C6. Then it passes through the foramen transversaria of the upper six cervical vertebrae. After emerging from the foramen transversarium of C1, it winds backwards around the lateral mass of the atlas and enters the cranial cavity through foramen magnum.
In the cranial cavity, it unites with the vertebral artery of the opposite side at the lower border of the pons to form the basilar artery.
The vertebral artery is one of the principal arteries which
supplies the brain.
It is the first and largest branch of the first part of the
subclavian artery