The applied anatomy study of vertebral basilar artery

Abstract

Objective To observe the vertebrobasilar artery and its branch courses, diameters and the included angles in the starting part, offering morphological basis for clinic intervention and vascular image. Methods Layer by layer dissecting head, neck and chest of nine adult specimens affused with red latex, and after affused carotid artery with red latex, the origin, course, branches, distribution, anastomosis, and accompanying of the vertebrobasilar artery were observed in three normal adult corroded specimens. Results The degree of the left included angle between subclavian artery and vertebral was (91.70±0.90)° and that of the right one was (115.80±1.60)°(P<0.05). A percentage (14.1 %) of them contacted with vagus and glosssopharyngeal nerve. The degree of the left included angle between posterior cerebal lower artery and vertebral artery was (118.60±3.70)° and that of the right one (77.60±7.90)°. A percentage (27.6 %) of itself contacted or pressed by root of facial nerve. The degree of the included angle on the left side between anterior cerebellar lower artery and brobasilar artery was (91.60±2.40)° and that of the right one was (27.10±2.70)°(P<0.05). The degree of the left included angle between posterior cerebral artery and basilar artery was (93.90±3.40)° and that of its right one was (130.80±3.20)°(P<0.05). Conclusions Both vertebral artery in every part out of skull and the data of the each branch pipe diameter, the starting included angle of vertebrobasilar artery had statistical significance, which should select personalized catheter or operation method in endovascular intervention or craniocervical surgery. Key words: Basilar artery/anatomy & histology; Vertebral artery/anatomy & histology