Vessels and nerves of the vertebral column: Anatomy

Summary

This video discusses the vertebral column’s crucial role in protecting the spinal cord and providing structural support, flexibility, and range of motion. It explains the arterial supply from major arteries, such as the vertebral and lumbar arteries, and the venous drainage through the internal and external vertebral venous plexuses. The video also covers nerve innervation, emphasizing the unique role of recurrent meningeal nerves, which provide sensation to the vertebrae. Additionally, it highlights the exception of facet joints, which are innervated by articular branches of the spinal nerves. The content provides essential insights for clinicians and medical students alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 The vertebral column protects the spinal cord and provides structural support, flexibility, and range of motion.
• 😀 The vertebral column requires adequate blood supply and innervation to maintain its important functions.
• 😀 Arteries supplying the vertebral column arise from larger parent arteries at different levels, such as vertebral and ascending cervical arteries in the neck.
• 😀 Spinal branches of the vertebral arteries supply the vertebrae, including the periosteum, vertebral bodies, and spinal cord.
• 😀 The venous blood from the vertebral column drains through internal and external venous plexuses, with communication through the intervertebral foramina.
• 😀 Internal venous plexuses are further divided into anterior and posterior plexuses, while external plexuses surround the vertebral bodies and spinous processes.
• 😀 The basil vertebral veins drain the vertebral bodies and connect to the internal and external venous plexuses.
• 😀 The vertebral column is innervated by small meningeal branches that arise from mixed spinal nerves, with the exception of the facet joints.
• 😀 The facet joints are innervated by articular branches from the medial branches of the posterior rami of spinal nerves.
• 😀 The recurrent meningeal nerves, which arise from mixed spinal nerves, provide innervation to the vertebral column, including its ligaments, dura mater, and intervertebral discs.
• 😀 In summary, the vertebral column's arterial supply comes from periosteal, equatorial, and spinal branches, while venous drainage occurs via internal and external venous plexuses. Innervation mainly comes from recurrent meningeal nerves, with the exception of facet joints.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the vertebral column?

The vertebral column primarily protects the spinal cord, provides structural support, flexibility, and enables a range of motion for the body.

Which arteries supply blood to the vertebral column in the neck region?

In the neck, the vertebral and ascending cervical arteries supply blood to the vertebral column.

How do arterial branches supply the vertebral bodies and spinal cord?

Arterial branches such as periostal branches supply the periosteum, equatorial branches supply the vertebral bodies, and spinal branches pass through intervertebral foramina, splitting into anterior and posterior vertebral canal branches, which supply the spinal cord and nerve roots.

What is the role of the internal and external vertebral venous plexuses?

The internal and external vertebral venous plexuses are responsible for draining venous blood from the vertebral column. The internal plexus lies inside the vertebral canal, while the external plexus is located outside it.

What are the key differences between the anterior and posterior internal vertebral venous plexuses?

The anterior internal vertebral venous plexus is located more anteriorly in the vertebral canal, while the posterior internal vertebral venous plexus is located more posteriorly.

What veins drain the vertebral bodies?

The basal vertebral veins drain the vertebral bodies. These veins emerge from small foramina on the surfaces of the vertebral bodies and drain into both the anterior internal and anterior external vertebral venous plexuses.

How do intervertebral veins contribute to venous drainage?

Intervertebral veins receive venous blood from the spinal cord and vertebral venous plexuses, then exit the spinal canal through the intervertebral foramina, draining into the vertebral veins of the neck and segmental veins of the trunk.

What is the main function of recurrent meningeal nerves in the vertebral column?

Recurrent meningeal nerves, which are small branches arising from mixed spinal nerves, provide innervation to the periosteum, ligamenta flava, spinal dura mater, blood vessels, and parts of the intervertebral discs.

Which structures are innervated by articular branches of the posterior rami of spinal nerves?

Articular branches of the posterior rami of spinal nerves innervate the facet joints, providing sensory and motor function to these joints.

How do the arteries supplying the vertebral column communicate with adjacent levels?

The arteries supplying the vertebral column, such as the spinal branches, give rise to ascending and descending branches that anastomose with spinal canal branches of adjacent levels, ensuring a continuous blood supply.