Vessel
Anterior spinal artery
Longitudinal supply reinforced at selected spinal levels
High-yield
Anterior cord ischemia often impairs movement and pain-temperature sensation while relatively sparing dorsal-column function. Actual deficits depend on the lesion and collateral circulation, so preservation is not a universal rule.
Overview
The anterior spinal artery usually begins from vertebral-artery contributions near the medulla and descends along the cord's anterior midline. Radiculomedullary arteries reinforce it at selected levels. Its sulcal branches and connections with the surface arterial network supply much anterior and central cord tissue; the familiar anterior-two-thirds territory is a useful approximation.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually contributions from intracranial vertebral arteries; unilateral dominance and alternative patterns are recognized.
- Course
- Descends along the anterior median fissure with selected radiculomedullary inputs. The large thoracolumbar feeder, Adamkiewicz artery, is commonly left-sided and often originates between T8 and L1, with wider variation.
- Branches
- Sulcal branches enter the cord; surface connections contribute to the pial arterial network around it.
- Supplies
- Much anterior and central spinal gray matter and adjacent motor/pain-temperature pathways, approximately the anterior two-thirds. Proximal branches contribute to medial medullary supply.
Clinical correlation
Spinal ischemia associated with aortic disease or surgery can produce bilateral weakness and sensory changes. The thoracic cord has vulnerable border territories. More rostrally, injury to medial medullary branches can affect the opposite limbs and dorsal-column pathway, with same-sided hypoglossal weakness if its fibers are involved.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the anterior spinal artery originate?
Usually contributions from intracranial vertebral arteries; unilateral dominance and alternative patterns are recognized.
What does the anterior spinal artery supply?
Much anterior and central spinal gray matter and adjacent motor/pain-temperature pathways, approximately the anterior two-thirds. Proximal branches contribute to medial medullary supply.
What are the branches of the anterior spinal artery?
Sulcal branches enter the cord; surface connections contribute to the pial arterial network around it.
What is the course of the anterior spinal artery?
Descends along the anterior median fissure with selected radiculomedullary inputs. The large thoracolumbar feeder, Adamkiewicz artery, is commonly left-sided and often originates between T8 and L1, with wider variation.