Arteries of the vertebral column (Latin)

The aorta thoracica descends along the anterior surface of the corpora vertebrae giving off multiple paired arteriae intercostales posteriores. Small precentral and periosteal branches arise directly from the arteriae intercostales posteriores along the anterolateral aspect of the corpora vertebrae. The rami arteriosi spinales arise either directly from the arteriae intercostales posteriores or from one of its major branches, the ramus dorsalis arteriae intercostalis posterioris. The ramus spinalis travels with the nervus spinalis in the foramen intervertebrale towards the foramen vertebrale, where it branches into arteriae postcentrales (anterior), prelaminares (posterior) and radiculares. The arteriae postcentralis and prelaminaris give off branches to supply the corpus vertebrae and the lamina respectively, and anastomose with arteries of adjacent vertebral levels. The arteriae radiculares supply the nervi spinales and meninges of the medulla spinalis.