Note: The anterior spinal artery originates from the vertebral arteries around the level of the cervical-cranial junction. Additionally, the anterior spinal artery receives blood from the anterior radicular arteries (branches of the vertebral arteries) and the ascending cervical arteries (branches from the thyrocervical trunk). Following these original tributaries, the anterior spinal artery does not receive blood from any other anastomosis until the lower thoracic and lumbar areas via the Artery of Adamkiewicz (not shown). The anterior spinal artery supplies the bulk of oxygenated blood to the anterior spinal cord [5].

Figure 2: The Cervical Spinal Cord and Origin of the Anterior Spinal Artery.