basilar artery

anatomy

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June 17, 2026

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The basilar artery is formed by the joining of two vertebral arteries in the neck. These arteries run through openings in the neck vertebrae before entering the skull and merging to create the basilar artery. The basilar artery is part of the vertebrobasilar circulation, which supplies blood to the brainstem and other posterior brain structures. Ischemia in this circulation can lead to symptoms such as reduced consciousness, vertigo, slurred speech, or vision impairment in both eyes. Arteries, in general, are part of a closed system of tubes that transport blood under high pressure from the heart to the body's tissues.123

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human cardiovascular system
The aorta and its principal branches
…the brain to form the basilar artery, which in turn divides into the posterior cerebral arteries. The blood supply to the brain is derived mainly from vessels that may be considered as branches of the circle of Willis, which is made up of the two vertebral and the two internal…
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…the brain to form the basilar artery, which in turn divides into the posterior cerebral arteries. The blood supply to the brain is derived mainly from vessels that may be considered as branches of the circle of Willis, which is made up of the two vertebral and the two internal…
Read More