Which artery runs along the ventral side of the spinal cord?

The anterior spinal artery runs along the ventral (front) side of the spinal cord and is a critical vessel in providing blood supply to this region. This artery is formed from the fusion of two arterial branches that come off the vertebral arteries, and it generally runs in the midline anteriorly on the surface of the spinal cord.

The importance of the anterior spinal artery lies in its role in supplying blood to the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord, which contains important motor pathways. Adequate blood flow through this artery is essential for the proper functioning of the corticospinal tract and the spinothalamic tract, which are vital for motor control and pain/temperature sensation, respectively.

In contrast, the posterior spinal artery, which runs along the posterior aspect of the spinal cord, supplies the posterior one-third, primarily responsible for sensory processing. Lateral spinal arteries and radicular arteries have different roles and contributions to the blood supply of the spinal cord, specifically in more localized areas rather than the overall anterior surface. Therefore, the anterior spinal artery is the correct choice as it is specifically associated with the ventral side of the spinal cord.