title: Microsurgical anatomy of the suboccipital segment of the vertebral artery.
abstract: The craniocervical regions of seven cadavers (14 sides) injected with silicone rubber were dissected under a Zeiss OPMI surgical microscope. The present study provides a detailed description of the suboccipital segment of the vertebral artery, with particular attention to its loops, branches, supporting osteofibrous structures, adjacent nerves, and surrounding venous structures. Several ligaments fixating the vertebral artery to surrounding structures, which have not been described in previous anatomical studies, were found. The authors propose an anatomically based subdivision of the suboccipital segment of the vertebral artery into five subsegments: infraforaminal, foraminal, supraforaminal, horizontal, and intramembranous. Measurements of surgically and clinically important features were obtained. Surgical approaches to this region are suggested based on a more informed understanding of the local anatomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Castillo
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Viñas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gutikhonda
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Diaz
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D005539:Foramen Magnum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000098:blood supply; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000098:blood supply; D014680:Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*