Which artery supplies the anterior inferior cerebellum and parts of the pons?

• A. Anterior inferior cerebellar artery
• B. Superior cerebellar artery
• C. Basilar artery
• D. Posterior cerebral artery

Answer: (A)

The blood supply to the cerebellum and brainstem is organized so different regions get fed by specific branches. The artery that reaches the anterior inferior surface of the cerebellum and extends to parts of the pons is the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. It branches off the basilar artery and travels to the ventral aspect of the pons and the inferior surface of the cerebellum, sometimes giving a branch to the inner ear as well. The superior cerebellar artery, by contrast, covers the superior cerebellar surface and nearby midbrain areas, while the basilar artery is the main trunk giving rise to these cerebellar branches, and the posterior cerebral artery supplies the occipital and medial temporal lobes.