Basi

Basilar Artery is a major blood vessel of the brain that is formed by the union of the left and right vertebral arteries. It runs along the base of the brain in the subarachnoid space and is a critical component of the posterior circulation of the brain. The basilar artery supplies blood to the pons, cerebellum, midbrain, and the posterior part of the cerebrum. Its branches include the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), superior cerebellar artery (SCA), and the pontine arteries, among others.

Anatomy

The basilar artery begins at the junction of the two vertebral arteries at the lower border of the pons, a structure located in the brainstem. It travels superiorly along the front of the pons, ending near the junction between the pons and the midbrain, where it bifurcates into the two posterior cerebral arteries. This artery is part of the Circle of Willis, an anastomotic ring of nine arteries that supply blood to the brain and surrounding structures.

Function

The primary function of the basilar artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the structures of the posterior part of the brain. This includes the pons, cerebellum, midbrain, and the occipital lobes of the cerebrum, which are responsible for processing visual information. The basilar artery also plays a crucial role in the brain's autoregulation mechanism, adjusting blood flow based on the brain's metabolic needs.

Clinical Significance

1. 1. 1. Basilar Artery Occlusion ###

A basilar artery occlusion is a critical condition that occurs when the basilar artery is blocked, leading to ischemia and potential infarction in the brainstem and other areas supplied by the artery. Symptoms can include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance, and in severe cases, coma or death. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in treating basilar artery occlusion.

1. 1. 1. Basilar Artery Aneurysm ###

An aneurysm in the basilar artery is a bulging or ballooning in the wall of the artery. If it ruptures, it can lead to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke that causes bleeding in the subarachnoid space around the brain. Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include a sudden, severe headache, neck stiffness, and loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of basilar artery conditions typically involves imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) to visualize the artery and assess for occlusions, aneurysms, or other abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for basilar artery conditions depends on the specific diagnosis but may include medication to manage symptoms or surgery to repair aneurysms or remove blockages. In the case of acute basilar artery occlusion, treatments such as thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy may be employed to restore blood flow.

See Also

• Circle of Willis
• Vertebral artery
• Posterior cerebral artery
• Stroke