Figure 52-17 Diagram of the blood supply to the spinal cord shows the anterior and posterior radiculomedullary branches in a lateral view. The primary blood supply to the thoracolumbar portion of the spinal cord is derived from the artery of Adamkiewicz; its origin varies, but it usually branches off the aorta in the T9 to T12 region. (From Djindjian R: Arteriography of the spinal cord. Am J Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med 107:461–478, 1969.)