Spinal branch of lumbar artery

The spinal branch of the lumbar artery is a posterior division of each lumbar artery that enters the vertebral canal through the intervertebral foramen. The lumbar arteries typically arise as four paired segmental vessels from the posterolateral aspect of the abdominal aorta, corresponding to the upper four lumbar vertebrae.

Each lumbar artery gives off a dorsal (posterior) branch, which in turn divides into a spinal branch and a muscular branch. The spinal branch passes through the intervertebral foramen and supplies the following structures:

• Vertebral body via nutrient branches that penetrate the bone

• Spinal cord and cauda equina via anterior and posterior radicular arteries

• Meninges including the dura mater and arachnoid

• Nerve roots at the corresponding segmental level

• Ligaments and periosteum within the spinal canal