Segmental medullary artery

Segmental Medullary Artery

The Segmental Medullary Artery is a type of artery that supplies blood to the medulla oblongata, a part of the brain responsible for autonomic (involuntary) functions ranging from vomiting to sneezing. The segmental medullary artery is also known as the Artery of the Bulb.

Etymology

The term "Segmental Medullary Artery" is derived from the Latin words "segmentum" meaning "a piece cut off", "medulla" meaning "marrow" or "pith", and "arteria" meaning "windpipe, artery". The term "Artery of the Bulb" is derived from the Latin word "bulbus" meaning "bulb", referring to the bulb-like shape of the medulla oblongata.

Anatomy

The Segmental Medullary Artery is a branch of the vertebral artery. It is one of the arteries that supply blood to the medulla oblongata, along with the anterior spinal artery and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Clinical Significance

The Segmental Medullary Artery is clinically significant as it is involved in certain medical conditions such as lateral medullary syndrome (also known as Wallenberg's syndrome), a neurological disorder affecting the medulla oblongata. This syndrome can occur when there is a blockage in the blood supply to the medulla oblongata, often due to a stroke.

See Also

• Vertebral Artery
• Medulla Oblongata
• Lateral Medullary Syndrome

References

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Segmental_medullary_artery

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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of vessels
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  The Great Posterior Radiculomedullary Artery