Vertebral arteries

Looks like

Two arteries climbing through holes in the neck vertebrae to join at the base of the brain.

What it does

Supply the brainstem, cerebellum and back of the brain.

Keeping it well

Can tear with neck trauma or forceful manipulation; sudden neck pain with dizziness, double vision or unsteadiness needs emergency care.

Its parts

• Right vertebral artery
• Left vertebral artery

Related conditions

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hypothermia & frostbite
• Kawasaki disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Orthostatic hypotension & POTS
• Peripheral artery disease
• Phaeochromocytoma & hyperaldosteronism
• Pre-eclampsia
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Sepsis
• Shock (circulatory failure)
• Vasculitis (GCA & others)