Basilar Artery

1. Anatomy:
– The basilar artery is a robust blood vessel located in the posterior cranial fossa.
– It forms the posterior circulation of the brain, alongside the anterior circulation.
– Origin: Union of the vertebral arteries at the pontomedullary junction.
– Course: Travels along the basilar groove on the ventral surface of the pons within the pontine cistern.
– Termination: Bifurcates into the paired posterior cerebral arteries (part of the Circle of Willis).
– Branches:
– Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA): Supplies the cerebellum and related structures.
– Internal auditory (labyrinthine) artery: Associated with hearing and balance.
– Superior cerebellar artery: Supplies the superior part of the cerebellum.

2. Clinical Significance:
A basilar artery occlusion can lead to:
– Speech difficulties
– Visual disturbances
– Cranial nerve palsies
– Altered consciousness

Disruptions in blood flow through the basilar artery can have serious consequences.

References:

(1) Basilar artery: Anatomy, course and branches | Kenhub. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/basilar-artery.
(2) Basilar Artery: Location, Anatomy and Function – Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22921-basilar-artery.
(3) Basilar Artery Anatomy, Location & Function | Body Maps – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/basilar-artery/male.
(4) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/cerebral-vascularization-arteries-of-the-diencephalon-news-photo/1337945823.