Study about Cervical Part of Vertebral Artery: An Approach to Its Variant Anatomy and Clinical Significance

Summary: The vertebral artery sprouts from the subclavian artery and is divided into four segments. First three segments are extracranial and located in neck. Hence first three segments of vertebral artery constitute the cervical vertebral artery. The aim of this chapter is to elucidate the anatomical variations in the origin and course of the cervical part of vertebral artery and associated clinical significance. Detailed knowledge of anatomy and its variants is pivotal for the prevention of vascular complications during surgical procedures and while carrying out diagnostic and interventional angiography in the cervical region, while treating cerebro-vascular diseases and of utmost useful for vascular surgeons, radiological and neurosurgeons dealing with neck area.