Which arteries give rise to the basilar artery?

• A. Internal Carotid Arteries
• B. External Carotid Arteries
• C. Vertebral Arteries
• D. Common Carotid Arteries

Answer: (C)

The basilar artery is part of the brain’s posterior circulation and is formed by the fusion of the two vertebral arteries at the level of the medulla/pons junction. The vertebral arteries originate from the subclavian arteries, ascend through the cervical transverse foramina, enter the skull via the foramen magnum, and then join to create the basilar artery along the ventral surface of the brainstem. The basilar artery then supplies the brainstem and cerebellum and gives rise to the posterior cerebral arteries. The other arteries listed contribute to other regions (anterior circulation or facial/scalp regions) and do not form the basilar artery.