CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which vessel ascends through the cervical transverse foramina?

1. Jugular vein

2. Carotid artery

3. Vertebral artery

4. Subclavian artery

The correct answer is: Vertebral artery

The vertebral artery is the vessel that ascends through the cervical transverse foramina. This anatomical feature is significant because the cervical transverse foramina are openings in the cervical vertebrae (C1 to C7) through which the vertebral arteries travel as they ascend towards the base of the skull. This pathway allows the vertebral arteries to supply blood to the brain, particularly the posterior parts, including the cerebellum and brainstem. In contrast, the jugular vein primarily drains blood from the head and neck; it does not pass through the transverse foramina. The carotid artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to the anterior and middle parts of the brain, runs within the carotid sheath and does not pass through these foramina either. The subclavian artery branches off before the vertebral artery and supplies areas such as the arms, but it does not ascend within the cervical vertebrae. Thus, the vertebral artery is uniquely positioned and functionally important for cerebrovascular circulation, making it the correct answer.