Spinal Blood Supply
The function of the vascular system is to nourish each cell in the body. This includes the vertebral column, spinal cord, neural elements, muscles, and other related structures.
Blood and Its Importance
Blood contains plasma (fluid), red blood cells (erythrocytes), white bloods cells, and platelets.
Plasma – Cell Nourishment
Plasma, the liquid part of blood, makes up 90% of blood and contains water, salts, hormones, and proteins. It delivers proteins, fats, minerals, and lipids to every cell in the body. Cells cannot reproduce or repair damage without nutrient replenishment.
Oxygen – Red Blood Cells
One of the primary benefits cells derive from blood is oxygen. Cells need oxygen to burn glucose for energy. This oxygen comes from the red blood cells. Oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart via arteries and deoxygenated blood returns to the heart via veins. The Pulmonary Artery is an exception. It carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs where it is reoxygenated. The Pulmonary Vein then carries the oxygenated blood back to the heart from the lungs. The oxygenated blood is then circulated throughout the body.
Immunity – White Blood Cells
White cells are the primary components of the immune system and fight against infection and bacterial toxins. There are many types of white blood cells; neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, basophils, and monocytes – each playing a different role. Further, antibodies are transported via the circulatory system.
Clotting – Platelets
Platelets control bleeding from injury by creating a clot, or plug through a series of chemical reactions.
The spinal column is served by the body’s elaborate system of arteries and veins, as outlined in the following tables.
Arteries Supplying Spinal Column
Arteries | Region |
---|---|
Vertebral | Cervical (Head) |
Basilar | Basilar Cervical (Head) |
Carotid | Cervical/Thoracic |
Thoracic Aorta | Thoracic cavity |
Intercostal | Thoracic wall |
Spinal Branch | Thoracic/Lumbar |
Anterior Spinal | Thoracic/Lumbar |
Abdominal Aorta | Thoracic/Lumbar cavities |
Posterior Branch | Thoracic to Sacrum |
Lumbar Segmental | Lumbar |
Left Common Iliac | Lumbar/pelvic organs, legs |
Right Common Iliac | Lumbar/pelvic organs, legs |
Segmental | Lumbar to Sacrum |
Middle Sacral | Lumbosacral |
Iliolumbar | Lumbosacral |
Internal Iliac | Lumbosacral |
Circle of Willis
The Vertebral and Internal Carotid Arteries provide blood to the brain. These arteries give off branches that form a circle in the region of the pituitary gland. If the other two arteries are blocked, the blood vessels in the Circle of Willis provide an alternate way to feed blood to the brain.
Veins Supplying Spinal Column
Veins | Region/Comment |
---|---|
Internal Jugular | Cervical – returns blood from the head |
External Jugular | Cervical – returns blood from the head |
Superior Vena Cava | Cervical/Upper Thoracic Returns blood from upper body to heart |
Thoracic Segmental | Thoracic |
Inferior Vena Cava | Thoracic/Lumbosacral Returns blood from lower body to heart |
Azygous | Lumbar – Returns blood from lower body when inferior vena cava obstructed |
Hemiazygous | Lumbar |
Lumbar Segmental | Lumbar |
Left Common Iliac | Lumbar |
Right Common Iliac | Lumbar |
Batson’s Plexus | Lumbar – Valveless vein, provides alternate route for blood return to heart |
Common Iliac | Lumbosacral |
Arterial Branches of the Spine
Artery | Spinal Region | Source – Branch From |
---|---|---|
Anterior Radicular | Meninges Spinal Cord |
Vertebral Posterior Intercostal Lumbar Lateral Sacral |
Anterior Spinal | Meninges Spinal Cord |
Vertebral Posterior Intercostal Lumbar Lateral Sacral |
Aortic Arch | Entire Body Except Heart | Ascending Aorta |
Basilar | Cranial Nerves Cerebellum |
Vertebral |
Brachiocephalic Trunk | Right side of head, neck, upper limb, chest wall | Aortic Arch |
Cerebral Arterial Circle | Brain – Midbrain | Posterior Cerebral Anterior Cerebral |
Common Carotid | Head – upper neck | Brachiocephalic Trunk Aortic Arch |
External Carotid | Upper neck | Common Carotid |
Great Anterior Radicular | Lower Spinal Cord | Lower Posterior Intercostal |
Internal Carotid | Brain | Common Carotid |
Lateral Sacral | Sacrum Sacral Nerve Roots Meninges |
Internal Iliac |
Lumbar | Spinal Cord Vertebral Column |
Abdominal Aorta |
Median Sacral | Sacrum | Abdominal Aorta |
Middle Meningeal | Dura Mater | Maxillary |
Posterior Radicular | Meninges, Spinal Cord | Vertebral Posterior Intercostal Lumbar Lateral Sacral |
Posterior Spinal | Spinal Cord | Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Vertebral Posterior Intercostal Lumbar Lateral Sacral |
Subclavian | Neck Brain Spinal Cord |
Brachiocephalic Aortic Arch |
Vertebral | Spinal Cord Neck |
Subclavian |
Venous Branches of the Spine
Vein | Spinal Region | Source(s) |
---|---|---|
Anterior Jugular | Neck | Submental |
Azygos | Chest Wall | Lumbar Subcosta Posterior Intercostal |
Brachiocephalic | Head Neck Upper Limbs |
Subclavian Internal Jugular Vertebra |
Cavernous Sinus | Brain | Superior Ophthalmic Middle Cerebral |
External Jugular | Head Neck |
Posterior Auricular Posterior External Jugular Transverse Cervical Anterior Jugular |
External Vertebral Plexus | Vertebral Column Vertebral Muscles |
Internal Vertebral Plexus |
Hemiazygos | Lower Chest Wall | Lumbar Subcostal |
Internal Vertebral Plexus | Spinal Cord Meninges Vertebral Column |
External Vertebral Plexus |
Posterior Intercostal | Spinal Cord Vertebra Ribs |
Spinal Tributary Posterior Tributary |
Pterygoid Plexus | Meninges | Middle Meningeal |