Basilarisvaltimo

Basilarisvaltimo, also known as the basilar artery, is a major artery in the brain. It is formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries, typically at the level of the pons. The basilar artery then ascends through the posterior cranial fossa, running along the ventral surface of the pons. It is a crucial component of the circle of Willis, a critical arterial system that supplies blood to the brain.

The basilar artery gives rise to several branches that supply essential structures. These include the pontine arteries that perfuse the pons, the labyrinthine artery supplying the inner ear, and the superior cerebellar arteries that provide blood to the superior cerebellum. Towards its superior end, the basilar artery bifurcates into the two posterior cerebral arteries, which supply the occipital lobes and parts of the temporal lobes. The blood flow through the basilar artery is vital for maintaining the function of the brainstem, cerebellum, and the visual cortex. Occlusion or rupture of the basilar artery can lead to severe neurological deficits or a stroke, often with devastating consequences due to the critical areas it supplies.