Posterior Meningeal Branch of the Vertebral Artery

Description

Centered on the endocranial surface of the posterior cranial fossa, the posterior meningeal branch of the vertebral artery is traced as it leaves the vertebral artery near the foramen magnum and spreads across the dura mater overlying the occipital bone and petrous temporal margins. Running superiorly and laterally from the midline, its arteriolar twigs follow dural attachments along the internal occipital crest toward the region of the transverse and sigmoid sinus grooves. Key bony landmarks such as the foramen magnum, clivus, petrous ridge, and adjacent foramina at the skull base orient the vessel’s course relative to the posterior fossa. A few accompanying venous channels are shown in blue along the same endocranial terrain. Recognition of this branch matters because posterior fossa dural supply is a frequent source of diagnostic confusion and procedural risk: a vertebral artery meningeal branch can contribute to dural arteriovenous fistulas near the sigmoid sinus and jugular foramen, and it may be recruited as collateral flow in posterior circulation disease. Its proximity to the foramen magnum and lower clivus also places it in the operative corridor for far-lateral and retrosigmoid approaches, where dural opening and drilling near the occipital condyle can provoke brisk bleeding if the meningeal twig is not anticipated. Small vessel. Big consequences. Neuroanatomy and neurosurgery educators will find this asset well suited for lectures on posterior fossa dura, cranial base vascular anatomy, and the vertebral artery’s extracranial-to-intracranial transition, as well as for atlases illustrating meningeal arterial territories alongside skull base foramina. It also supports interventional neuroradiology materials discussing dural fistula feeders and endovascular planning around vertebral artery branches. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.