Basilar

Basilar Artery

The basilar artery is a crucial blood vessel located at the base of the brain. It is formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries and plays a vital role in supplying blood to the brainstem and posterior parts of the brain.

Anatomy

The basilar artery is part of the vertebrobasilar system, which is responsible for supplying blood to the posterior portion of the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. It is formed at the junction of the two vertebral arteries at the level of the pontomedullary junction.

Course

The basilar artery ascends in the midline over the pons, a part of the brainstem, and terminates by bifurcating into the two posterior cerebral arteries. Along its course, it gives off several important branches:

• The anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)
• The pontine arteries
• The superior cerebellar artery (SCA)

Function

The basilar artery is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to critical areas of the brain, including:

• The pons and medulla oblongata, which are involved in autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate regulation.
• The cerebellum, which is essential for coordination and balance.
• The occipital lobes and parts of the temporal lobes, which are involved in visual processing and memory.

Clinical Significance

Basilar Artery Thrombosis

A thrombosis or blockage of the basilar artery can lead to a life-threatening condition known as basilar artery thrombosis. This can result in a range of symptoms, from dizziness and vertigo to severe neurological deficits such as locked-in syndrome.

Basilar Migraine

Basilar migraine is a type of migraine that involves the basilar artery and can cause symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and visual disturbances. It is thought to be due to changes in blood flow in the vertebrobasilar system.

Imaging

The basilar artery can be visualized using various imaging techniques, including:

• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
• Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

These imaging modalities are crucial for diagnosing conditions affecting the basilar artery, such as aneurysms or stenosis.

See Also

• Circle of Willis
• Vertebral artery
• Posterior cerebral artery

External Links

• Detailed Anatomy of the Basilar Artery