TRUE/FALSE about veebral aery is /are: 1. Enter skull through condylar canal 2. Branch of internal carotid aery 3. Branch of subclan aery 4. Accompany sympathetic ganglion 5. Passes through foramen transversarium of cervical veebrae
**Core Concept**
The vertebral artery is a vital structure that supplies blood to the brain, spine, and surrounding tissues. It originates from the subclavian artery and plays a crucial role in the blood supply of the posterior cerebral circulation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The vertebral artery enters the skull through the foramen magnum, not the condylar canal, which is associated with the occipital artery. The vertebral artery is a branch of the subclavian artery, specifically arising from its first part. As it ascends, it accompanies the sympathetic ganglion (C8-T1) and passes through the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae (C6-C1). This unique course allows the vertebral artery to provide a vital blood supply to the brain and spinal cord.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The condylar canal is associated with the occipital artery, not the vertebral artery, which enters the skull through the foramen magnum.
**Option B:** The vertebral artery is a branch of the subclavian artery, not the internal carotid artery, which supplies the anterior cerebral circulation.
**Option C:** The vertebral artery is a branch of the subclavian artery, not the subclavian artery itself, which is the parent vessel.
**Option D:** While the vertebral artery does pass through the foramen transversarium, this statement is not the primary characteristic of the vertebral artery, making it a less accurate option.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The vertebral artery's unique course through the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae makes it susceptible to injury during cervical spine surgery or trauma, highlighting the importance of preserving this critical blood supply to the brain.
**Correct Answer: C.** The vertebral artery is a branch of the subclavian artery.