Artery of Salmon
Artery of Salmon is a branch of
[A] Basilar artery
[B] Middle cerebral artery
[C] Vertebral artery
[D] Internal carotid artery
Artery of Salmon arises from which segment of vertebral artery?
[A] V1
[B] V2
[C] V3
[D] V4
Artery of Salmon
Artery of Salmon – also known as the suboccipital artery of Salmon (SAS), is a muscular branch of the vertebral artery that supplies blood to the suboccipital muscles
What are the segments of Vertebral artery?
Artery of Salmon” refers to the suboccipital artery of Salmon, a muscular branch of the vertebral artery in humans, It was identified by Michel Salmon, a plastic surgeon in the early 20th century, and is significant in neurosurgery.
| Vertebral artery is divided into 4 segments | |||
| 1 | V1 | Pre-foraminal segment | Origin to the transverse foramen of C6 |
| 2 | V2 | Foraminal segment | Transverse foramen of C6 to the transverse foramen of C2 |
| 3 | V3 | Atlantic, extradural or extraspinal segment | Starts from C2, where the artery loops and turns lateral to ascend into the transverse foramen continues through C1 to pierce the dura |
| 4 | V4 | Intradural or intracranial segment | From the dura at the lateral edge of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane to their confluence on the medulla to form the basilar artery |
Anatomy and function
- Origin: The artery of Salmon is a branch of the third (V3) segment of the vertebral artery, which passes through the suboccipital triangle in the neck.
- Supply: It supplies blood to the deep suboccipital muscles, which are crucial for head movement and stability. The artery’s presence is variable among individuals.
- Anastomoses: The artery can form connections, or anastomoses, with other arteries in the neck, such as the occipital, deep cervical, and ascending cervical arteries. This provides a collateral blood supply to the region.
Neurosurgical significance
Understanding the artery of Salmon’s anatomy is critical for surgeons performing procedures in the suboccipital region.
- Surgical applications: The artery and its anastomoses can be used for bypass surgeries to maintain blood flow in cases of aneurysms or occlusive vascular disorders involving the vertebral or posterior inferior cerebellar arteries.
- Diagnostic aid: The artery can help surgeons distinguish the source of bleeding during surgical procedures.
- Injection risks: Knowledge of its course is also important for clinicians performing suboccipital injections, as severing the artery could cause profuse bleeding.
