The basilar artery is one of the arteries which the brain supplies with oxygen-rich blood. It arises from the confluence of the two vertebral arteries at the level of the medulla oblongata. It ascends in the central gutter (sulcus basilaris) inferior to the pons and divides into the two posterior cerebral arteries. From the basilar artery arise branches for the supply of the cerebellum (largely via the anterior inferior cerebellar artery), as well as smaller branches for the supply of the pons. Section of an artery An artery or arterial is also a class of highway. ... The vertebral arteries are branches of the subclavian arteries. ... The medulla oblongata is the lower portion of the brainstem. ... The pons is a knob on the brain stem. ... General features * Location: It is found at the bottom rear of the head (the hindbrain), directly above the brainstem. ...

Thrombosis of the basilar artery can be a life-threatening situation as it leads to hypoxia and ischemia of the brainstem. Poor prognoses are common and these can include paralysis of all extremities, heavy disturbances in sensation, difficulty in swallowing and difficulty in respiration. Thrombosis is the formation of a clot or thrombus inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. ...