What vessels are accessed using the transforaminal/suboccipital approach?

The transforaminal or suboccipital approach is specifically designed for accessing the vertebral and basilar arteries. This technique involves the insertion of a catheter through the suboccipital space, which is the area just below the skull where the vertebral arteries ascend to join and form the basilar artery. This method is particularly valuable in neuroendovascular procedures due to the close anatomical proximity of these vessels to the access point.

The vertebral arteries, which travel along the cervical spine and enter the cranial cavity through the foramen magnum, supply blood to the posterior portion of the brain. The basilar artery, formed by the merger of the two vertebral arteries, supplies critical areas such as the brainstem and cerebellum. Utilizing the transforaminal/suboccipital approach effectively allows clinicians to directly access and treat issues involving these vital arteries.

The other vessels mentioned in the choices pertain to different approaches and techniques not suited for the transforaminal/suboccipital approach, which is why they are not the correct answer in this context.