The are branches of the
Subclavian Arteries . They arise, one on each side of the body, then enter deep to the transverse process of the level of the 6th
Cervical Vertebrae (C6). It then proceeds superiorly, under the transverse process of each cervical vertebra until C1 where it enters the skull via the
Foramen Magnum . Inside the skull, the two vertebral arteries join up to form the
Basilar Artery at the base of the
Medulla Oblongata . The basilar artery is the main blood supply to the
Brainstem and connects to the
Circle Of Willis to potentially supply the rest of the brain if there is compromise to one of the
Carotids .
At each cervical level, the vertebral artery sends branches to the surrounding musculature via anterior spinal arteries.
