The arterial supply of the human spinal cord: a new approach to the arteria radicularis magna of Adamkiewicz.

The arteria radicularis magna (Adamkiewicz's artery) was studied in 30 human spinal cords after arterial injection. The artery was present in all cases, between T8 and L2, and was identified by its diameter and position. The arteria radicularis magna was the main blood supply to the lowest region of the spinal cord. In one out of three cases it accompanied the ventral root at T9, and in 80% of the cases studied it was found on the left side. The arteria radicularis magna had a posterior component in 63% of the cases. We did not observe specific radiculo-medullary arteries in the conus medullaris region.