What are the branches of the basilar artery?

The basilar artery is a major vessel located at the base of the brain that supplies various important structures. The branches of the basilar artery include several arteries that play crucial roles in brain perfusion.

The labyrinthine artery, also known as the internal auditory artery, is a branch of the basilar artery that supplies blood to the inner ear. This makes it vital for hearing and balance functions. Its significance lies in the fact that any compromise in blood flow to this artery can lead to conditions affecting auditory and vestibular functions.

In contrast, the middle cerebral artery and the anterior communicating artery are branches of other major arteries in the brain and are not directly derived from the basilar artery. The middle cerebral artery is primarily a branch of the internal carotid artery and is responsible for supplying a large portion of the lateral cerebral cortex. The anterior communicating artery connects the two anterior cerebral arteries, facilitating collateral circulation and is part of the circle of Willis, which also does not arise from the basilar artery. The posterior cerebral artery, while it has a relationship with the basilar artery, primarily branches from the basilar artery’s terminal bifurcation, but it is not considered a direct branch in the same immediate sense as the labyrinthine artery.

Thus, the