Primitive hypoglossal artery

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

The primitive hypoglossal artery is present during embryological development, regresses during development, and may rarely persist as a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery[^1].

Embryology

The primitive hypoglossal artery normally regresses when the embryo is approximately 6 mm in size[^1].

Primitive Carotid-Basilar Anastomoses
Schematic illustration of the embryonic connections from the internal carotid artery to the longitudinal neural artery. Figure adapted from Wikipedia.

Anatomy

The primitive hypoglossal artery originates from the extracranial segment of the Internal carotid artery, passes through the Hypoglossal canal, and enters the Basilar artery intracranially[^2].

Persistent Primitive Hypoglossal Artery
Schematic illustration of the persistent primitive hypoglossal artery. Figure adapted from Bruetman et al. 1963.

Blood supply

If a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery is present, it provides the main blood supply to the posterior circulation, and the Vertebral artery is hypoplastic or absent[^1].

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