Which artery supplies the lateral aspect of the medulla oblongata?

• A. Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery
• B. Anterior Spinal Artery
• C. Posterior Cerebral Artery
• D. Superior Cerebellar Artery

Answer: (A)

Arteries that nourish the brainstem have distinct territories, and the lateral part of the medulla is supplied mainly by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. This vessel branches off the vertebral artery and curves around the medulla to reach the lateral surface, feeding the lateral medullary region and adjacent inferior cerebellar structures. The other arteries have different target areas: the anterior spinal artery supplies the ventral surface of the medulla and spinal cord, the posterior cerebral artery focuses on the occipital and part of the temporal lobes and thalamus, and the superior cerebellar artery supplies the upper cerebellum and portions of the midbrain. Occlusion of the artery that serves the lateral medulla explains the classic lateral medullary (Wallenberg) syndrome.