Anatomical Structure and Location of the Transparent Posterior Spinal Arteries

Description

Running along the dorsolateral surface of the spinal cord, paired posterior spinal arteries trace longitudinal channels on the pia mater, positioned posterior to the denticulate ligaments and just lateral to the posterior median sulcus. Segmental radicular inputs approach from the intervertebral foramina, joining the pial network and reinforcing the posterior circulation at variable levels. Semi-transparent vertebral arches frame the cord posteriorly, while faint thoracic ribs extend laterally, helping orient the viewer to the thoracic segment shown. Posterior spinal artery anatomy matters because perfusion of the dorsal columns and dorsal horns is often discussed abstractly, yet the vessels themselves are thin, discontinuous, and dependent on radiculopial contributions. Infarction in this territory can present with loss of vibration and proprioception with relative sparing of motor pathways, a pattern that contrasts with anterior spinal artery syndrome and affects the clinical read of acute myelopathy. When posterior approaches to the spine are performed, including laminectomy and intradural tumor exposure, this pial arterial lattice sits directly on the cord surface and becomes a structure you respect. Small vessel injury here has outsized consequences. Neurology and neuroanatomy teaching blocks can pair this artwork with tract diagrams to anchor dorsal column function to its blood supply. It also supports operative atlases and neurosurgical lectures on posterior midline myelotomy, dorsal root entry zone procedures, and intradural work where preservation of pial vessels guides dissection planes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.