In human anatomy, the basilar artery is one of the arteries that supplies the brain with oxygen-rich blood.

It arises from the confluence of the two vertebral arteries at the junction between the medulla oblongata and the pons.

It ascends in the central gutter (sulcus basilaris) inferior to the pons and divides into the posterior cerebral arteries and the superior cerebellar artery just inferior to the pituitary stalk.

From the basilar artery arises the superior inferior cerebellar artery (supplying the superior and inferior aspects of the cerebellum), as well as smaller branches for the supply of the pons (the pontine branches).

Thrombosis of the basilar artery can be life-threatening, as it leads to hypoxia and ischemia of the brainstem.

Poor prognoses are common and these can include paralysis of all extremities, heavy disturbances in sensation, difficulty in swallowing and difficulty in respiration.

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  cr = Arteria cerebri rostralis, cm = Arteria cerebri media, ma = Arteria maxillaris, RZ = Retezuflüsse, ci = Arteria carotis interna, rm = Rete mirabile, ba = Arteria basilaris
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  The internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Right side.
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  The arteries of the base of the brain.
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  Medulla oblongata and pons. Anterior surface.
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  The hypophysis cerebri, in position. Shown in sagittal section.
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  Cerebral angiogram showing the transverse projection of the vertebro-basilar and posterior cerebral circulation.

• Diagram at merck.com
• Template:SUNYAnatomyLabs – “Cranial Fossae: Arteries, Inferior Surface of the Brain”
• Blood supply at neuropat.dote.hu
• Template:RocheLexicon
• Template:RocheLexicon

Template:Arteries of head and neck

Template:WikiDoc Sources