A 35-year-old roofer is examined in the emergency department after falling two stories and landing abdomen first on a barrel. Examination reveals weakness and loss of pain and temperature sensation in the left and right lower limbs. A magnetic resonance image indicates thrombosis of an artery in the abdomen. Which of the following arteries is most likely involved?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The anterior spinal artery supplies the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord, including areas responsible for motor function and pain and temperature sensation. Thrombosis of this artery can lead to weakness (due to motor pathway involvement) and loss of pain and temperature sensation in the lower limbs, as described in the scenario.

A 35-Year-Old Roofer Is Examined in the Emergency Department After