The vertebral artery
Arises from the second part of subclavian artery , from behind scalenus anterior
Lies anterior to inferior thyroid artery
Passes through the C6 foramen transversarium
Passes anterior to the lateral mass of atlas and then enters the foramen magnum
The vertebral artery is a branch of first part of subclavian artery. It lies posterior to inferior thyroid artery. It passes posterior to lateral mass of atlas.