Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
09:33
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
16.9K
Vertebral Artery Diameter and Flow: Nature or Nurture
Adam Domonkos Tarnoki1, Bence Fejer1, David Laszlo Tarnoki1
1Department of Radiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Summary
The diameter of vertebral arteries (VAs) is moderately genetically determined, with heritability accounting for over 54%. Flow characteristics like peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity are influenced by environmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Vertebral arteries (VAs) exhibit significant anatomical variability.
- Understanding the factors influencing VA variations is crucial for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritability of variations in vertebral artery diameter and flow characteristics.
- To differentiate between genetic and environmental influences on VA morphology and hemodynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized B-mode and Doppler ultrasound on 172 Italian twins (monozygotic and dizygotic).
- Assessed VA diameter, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end diastolic velocity (EDV) in the V2 segment.
- Applied univariate quantitative genetic modeling to analyze twin data.
Main Results:
- Vertebral artery hypoplasia observed in 14% of participants.
- VA diameter showed moderate heritability (54.7%), with higher concordance in monozygotic twins.
- PSV variance was primarily attributed to environmental factors, while EDV showed moderate genetic influence (42.4%).
Conclusions:
- Vertebral artery diameter is moderately genetically determined.
- Distinct genetic and environmental factors influence VA flow parameters (PSV and EDV).
- Findings contribute to understanding the complex hemodynamics and anomalies of vertebral artery flow.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Blood Flow
77.2K
Blood is pumped by the heart into the aorta, the largest artery in the body, and then into increasingly smaller arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. The velocity of blood flow decreases with increased cross-sectional blood vessel area. As blood returns to the heart through venules and veins, its velocity increases. The movement of blood is encouraged by smooth muscle in the vessel walls, the movement of skeletal muscle surrounding the vessels, and one-way valves that prevent backflow.
77.2K
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
546
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
546
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
405
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
405
01:16Arteries and Arterioles
7.3K
Arteries, the vasculature responsible for transporting blood from the heart, possess robust walls capable of enduring the elevated pressures exerted by the heartbeat. Arteries near the heart are especially thick-walled and enriched with elastic fibers across their three tunics, classifying them as elastic or conducting arteries. These arteries, usually with a diameter exceeding 10 mm, are characterized by their ability to dilate in response to the blood pumped from the heart's ventricles...
7.3K
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
3.9K
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
3.9K