Adamkiewicz Left T9-T12 — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardAnatomyAdamkiewicz Left T9-T12FRCA Primary

Regarding spinal cord blood supply the artery of Adamkiewicz is the major radicular artery reinforcing the anterior spinal artery. It typically arises on which side and at which level?

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Correct answer: A — Left side at T9-T12

The artery of Adamkiewicz (arteria radicularis magna) typically arises from the left side (80%) at the T9-T12 level (some sources T8-L2). It is the major blood supply to the lower two-thirds of the anterior spinal cord. Damage during aortic surgery or thoracolumbar surgery can cause anterior spinal artery syndrome (paraplegia / loss of pain and temperature / preserved proprioception).

Reference: RCoA 2021 Primary FRCA Curriculum