Which of the following best describes the function of the anatomical structure indicated by the arrow in the image below?
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Options:
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the first cervical vertebra of the spine (also termed the atlas). The blue arrow points to the right transverse foramen, a hole found in the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae, which allows the passage of the vertebral artery, vertebral veins and sympathetic nerves. The anterior spinal artery is one of the branches formed by the union of tributaries from the right and the left vertebral arteries, descending inferior to the basilar artery to supply the anterior 2/3rds of the spinal cord.
name: Allows the passage of a vessel which branches into the anterior spinal artery
label: a
answer: yes
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the first cervical vertebra of the spine (also termed the atlas). The anterior cerebral artery arises from the internal carotid artery, which enters the skull through the carotid canal found in the petrous part of the temporal bone. Thus, it does not have an anatomical relationship with the C1 vertebra. The blue arrow points to the right transverse foramen, a hole found in the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae, which allows the passage of the vertebral artery, vertebral veins and sympathetic nerves.
name: Allows the passage of a vessel which branches into the anterior cerebral artery
label: c
answer: no
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the first cervical vertebra of the spine (also termed the atlas). The anterior inferior cerebellar artery is a branch of the basilar artery. It is true that the basilar artery arises from the formation of the right and the left vertebral arteries, but the AICA is not a direct branch of the vertebral artery. The blue arrow points to the right transverse foramen, a hole found in the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae, which allows the passage of the vertebral artery, vertebral veins and sympathetic nerves.
name: Allows the passage of a vessel which directly branches into the anterior inferior cerebellar artery
label: d
answer: no
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the first cervical vertebra of the spine (also termed the atlas). The superior cerebellar artery is a branch of the basilar artery. It is true that the basilar artery arises from the formation of the right and the left vertebral arteries, but the AICA is not a direct branch of the vertebral artery. The blue arrow points to the right transverse foramen, a hole found in the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae, which allows the passage of the vertebral artery, vertebral veins and sympathetic nerves.
name: Allows the passage of a vessel which directly branches into the superior cerebellar artery
label: e
answer: no
explanation: The image shows a superior view of the first cervical vertebra of the spine (also termed the atlas). The middle cerebral artery arises from the internal carotid artery, which enters the skull through the carotid canal found in the petrous part of the temporal bone. Thus, it does not have an anatomical relationship with the C1 vertebra. The blue arrow points to the right transverse foramen, a hole found in the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae, which allows the passage of the vertebral artery, vertebral veins and sympathetic nerves.
name: Allows the passage of a vessel which branches into the middle cerebral artery
label: b
answer: no

Correct answer: a