Basilar artery
Basilar Artery
The Basilar Artery (pronounced: /ˈbæsɪlər ˈɑːrtəri/) is a major blood vessel in the brain that carries oxygenated blood to the pons, the midbrain, and the cerebellum.
Etymology
The term "basilar" is derived from the Latin word "basis", which means "base". The artery is so named because it is located at the base of the brain.
Structure
The basilar artery is formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries. It travels up the front of the brainstem, at the level of the pons, giving off several branches along its course. The basilar artery ends by dividing into the two posterior cerebral arteries.
Function
The basilar artery supplies oxygenated blood to the structures of the brainstem, including the pons, the midbrain, and the cerebellum. It also provides blood to the inner ear and parts of the occipital lobe and temporal lobe of the brain.
Related Terms
- Vertebral arteries: These are the arteries that merge to form the basilar artery.
- Posterior cerebral arteries: These are the arteries that the basilar artery divides into at its end.
- Brainstem: This is the area of the brain that the basilar artery supplies with oxygenated blood.
- Pons: This is a part of the brainstem that the basilar artery supplies with oxygenated blood.
- Midbrain: This is a part of the brainstem that the basilar artery supplies with oxygenated blood.
- Cerebellum: This is a part of the brain that the basilar artery supplies with oxygenated blood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Basilar artery
- Wikipedia's article - Basilar artery
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