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 level of the medulla oblongata. It ascends in the central gutter (sulcus basilaris) inferior to the pons and divides into the two posterior cerebral arteries. From the basilar artery arise branches for the supply of the cerebellum (largely via the anterior inferior cerebellar artery), as well as smaller branches for the supply of the pons.

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.

External links

• Diagram at merck.com

Arteries | Head and neck

Arteria basilaris | Artère basilaire