<prompt> The vertebral arteryArises from the second part of subclavian artery , from behind scalenus anteriorLies anterior to inferior thyroid arteryPasses through the C6 foramen transversariumPasses anterior to the lateral mass of atlas and then enters the foramen magnum  <response>: 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. 