Cerebellar artery is an artery that supplies the cerebellum with blood. It is one of the three major arteries that supply the cerebellum, along with the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The cerebellar artery is a branch of the basilar artery.
Anatomy of the Cerebellar Artery
The cerebellar artery is a branch of the basilar artery, which is the main artery that supplies the brain stem. The basilar artery branches off into the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The cerebellar artery is located between the AICA and PICA and runs alongside the brainstem, supplying blood to the cerebellar cortex.
Function of the Cerebellar Artery
The cerebellar artery supplies the cerebellum with blood and oxygen. The cerebellum is responsible for the coordination of movements, balance, and posture. It is also involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. Without the cerebellar artery, the cerebellum would not receive enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
Clinical Significance of the Cerebellar Artery
The cerebellar artery can become blocked or narrowed due to a variety of conditions, such as atherosclerosis, arterial dissection, or trauma. This can lead to a condition known as cerebellar ischemia, which is a lack of blood flow to the cerebellum. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including ataxia, vertigo, loss of coordination, and headache. Cerebellar ischemia is a medical emergency and requires prompt medical attention.