Segmental medullary artery

Segmental medullary arteries are arteries of varying size in the thoracolumbar region that arise from segmental arteries of this region (posterior intercostal arteries or lumbar arteries) and pass through intervertebral foramina to supply the spinal cord.^[1] They may join the anterior spinal artery.^[2]

Segmental medullary artery
1: Posterior spinal vein 2: Anterior spinal vein 3: Posterolateral spinal vein 4: Radicular (or segmental medullary) vein 5: Posterior spinal arteries 6: Anterior spinal artery 7: Radicular artery
Details
Branches	Anterior spinal artery
Identifiers
Latin	arteria medullaris segmentalis
TA98	A12.2.11.016 A12.2.08.007 A12.2.12.007
TA2	4535
FMA	86039
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The largest anterior segmental medullary artery is known as the artery of Adamkiewicz.^{[citation needed]}

Anatomy

Development

During embryological development, about 75% of the segmental medullary arteries regress, forming the thinner (anterior and posterior) radicular arteries (which supply the two roots and sensory ganglion of each spinal nerve); the remaining segmental medullary arteries persist to contribute arterial supply to the spinal cord, as well as giving rise to the aforementioned radicular arteries.^[1]

Gallery

Great Posterior Radiculomedullary Artery as seen in the posterior surface of the spinal cord