Variations in the branches of basilar artery in adult human cadavers

Abstract

Various variations of branches of the basilar artery are mentioned in the literature but the exact cause is not known. Anomalies of the vertebro-basilar vessels arise as early embryonic developmental deterioration. Many studies are available on the anterior circulation of the brain but studies on the posterior circulation are very few. Hence the present study is concentrated on morphological variations in branches of the basilar artery. The anterior inferior cerebellar arteries appear normal except one hypoplastic seen on left side. Many labyrinthine or internal auditory arteries arise from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (60% on right and 65% on left). Numbers of the pontine branches on right side ranges from 3-7 and on left side numbers of branches are 4-7. Most of the superior cerebellar arteries arise from the basilar artery (85% on right and 80% on left). Variation in the superior cerebellar artery is unilateral duplication. Bilateral duplication of the superior cerebellar artery and the superior cerebellar artery arising from the posterior cerebral artery was also seen. The posterior cerebral artery most commonly appear as adult type (75% bilaterally), fetal type was seen more common on left side and transitional types was seen more common on right side. Neurosurgical importance of this study lies during the exposure of the region for different purposes. Knowledge of variations will increase the success of the surgical and radiological procedures.