Which artery supplies the pons through perforating arteries and also supplies the cerebellum and posterior cerebrum?

• A. Posterior Cerebral Artery
• B. Internal Carotid Artery
• C. Basilar Artery
• D. Anterior Spinal Artery

Answer: (C)

The basilar artery is the vessel that fits this pattern. It runs along the ventral surface of the pons and sends small perforating arteries that supply the pons itself. It also gives off cerebellar branches (the anterior inferior and superior cerebellar arteries) to feed the cerebellum, and at its upper end it becomes the posterior cerebral arteries that supply the posterior cerebrum. So this single artery supplies the pons through perforators, the cerebellum, and the posterior part of the brain. Other arteries don’t provide all three regions together: the posterior cerebral arteries supply the posterior cerebrum but not the pons via perforators; the internal carotid contributes mainly to the anterior circulation and doesn’t provide the pontine perforators; the anterior spinal artery supplies the spinal cord, not the pons or cerebellum.