Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Centre of Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2021;80(1):20-25. doi: 10.5603/FM.a2020.0029. Epub 2020 Mar 11.
The atlantic segment of vertebral artery (V3) located at the centre of the cranio-vertebral junction is known for its variability and asymmetry, and is either the target or on the way of numerous procedures in this region. The aim of the study was to visualise variability of V3 segment.
The V3 segment was studied in 49 specimens of the suboccipital region injected with coloured gelatine. Direct measurements were performed and probabilistic maps were created using digital photography.
The V3 segment has wavy course with possible lateral and significant postero-inferior expansions. In relation to the foramen transversarium the V3 reached up to 5 mm laterally, 23 mm posteriorly, 27 mm medially and up to 11 mm downward. Looking from the medial aspect the course of the V3 is less predictable compared to the lateral approach. Linear measurements and probabilistic maps revealed significant variability and large range of variation. There were 11 cases of V3 tortuosity found in studied material.
The complex and variable spatial conformation of V3 makes individual diagnostic and preoperative approach necessary.
椎动脉（V3）的大西洋段位于颅颈交界处的中心，以其变异性和不对称性而闻名，是该区域众多手术的目标或必经之路。本研究旨在观察 V3 段的变异性。
对 49 例枕下区注射有色明胶的标本进行了 V3 段研究。通过数字摄影进行了直接测量，并创建了概率图。
V3 段呈波浪形，可能有侧向和明显的后下扩张。相对于横突孔，V3 段侧向可达 5mm，向后可达 23mm，向内侧可达 27mm，向下可达 11mm。从内侧看，V3 的走行不如外侧走行可预测。线性测量和概率图显示了明显的变异性和较大的变化范围。在研究材料中发现了 11 例 V3 迂曲。
V3 的复杂和多变的空间构象使得有必要进行个体化的诊断和术前评估。
