Cerebellar artery

Cerebellar artery

The cerebellar artery refers to any of the arteries that supply blood to the cerebellum, a region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. There are three main cerebellar arteries: the superior cerebellar artery, the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Superior Cerebellar Artery

The superior cerebellar artery (SCA) arises from the basilar artery near its termination. It supplies the superior part of the cerebellum, the pineal gland, and the superior medullary velum. The SCA also provides branches to the midbrain.

Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery

The anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) originates from the basilar artery and supplies the anterior and inferior parts of the cerebellum. It also provides blood to the pons and the inner ear through the labyrinthine artery.

Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery

The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is typically a branch of the vertebral artery. It supplies the posterior and inferior regions of the cerebellum, as well as parts of the medulla oblongata.

Clinical Significance

Occlusion or blockage of any of the cerebellar arteries can lead to a cerebellar stroke, which can result in symptoms such as ataxia, dysmetria, and vertigo. The specific symptoms depend on which artery is affected and the extent of the ischemia.

See Also

• Cerebellum
• Basilar artery
• Vertebral artery
• Cerebellar stroke
• Ataxia
• Dysmetria
• Vertigo