CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which vessel ascends through the cervical transverse foramina?

1. Carotid artery

2. Vertebral artery

3. Subclavian artery

4. Aorta

The correct answer is: Vertebral artery

The vertebral artery is the vessel that ascends through the cervical transverse foramina. These foramina are openings located in the transverse processes of each cervical vertebra, specifically from the first to the sixth vertebrae. The pathway provided by these foramina allows the vertebral artery to travel upward toward the brain, where it contributes to the blood supply of the posterior circulation. In contrast, the carotid artery primarily ascends in a more lateral position in the neck, following a different pathway to supply blood to the anterior circulation of the brain. The subclavian artery arises from the aorta or the brachiocephalic trunk and then travels laterally and inferiorly to supply blood to the upper limb; it does not ascend through the cervical transverse foramina. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and runs down the thoracic and abdominal cavities but does not ascend through the cervical vertebrae. This anatomical knowledge illustrates why the vertebral artery is indeed the correct choice.