BASILAR ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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The basilar artery is a major blood vessel located at the base of the brain that is formed by the fusion of the two vertebral arteries. It plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the brainstem and the posterior cerebral circulation. The artery arises from the confluence of the two vertebral arteries at the base of the skull, also known as the vertebrobasilar junction.
The basilar artery has a complex branching pattern, giving rise to smaller arteries that supply various regions of the brain, including the pons, the cerebellum, and parts of the cerebral hemispheres. Some of its main branches include the anterior inferior cerebellar arteries, superior cerebellar arteries, and the posterior cerebral arteries.
The basilar artery is responsible for providing oxygen-rich blood to vital structures involved in basic physiological functions, such as regulating heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and consciousness. Any disruption or occlusion of the basilar artery can have severe consequences, leading to ischemia or stroke in the brainstem and surrounding regions. This can result in symptoms including dizziness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, weakness or paralysis, loss of coordination, and even coma or death.
Due to its critical role in supporting brain function, the basilar artery is a subject of great clinical importance in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery. Medical professionals may utilize various imaging techniques such as Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate the basilar artery and detect any abnormalities or blockages. Treatment options may include medications, surgical interventions, or endovascular procedures to restore blood flow and prevent further complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BASILAR ARTERY
- vasilar artery
- nasilar artery
- hasilar artery
- gasilar artery
- bzsilar artery
- bssilar artery
- bwsilar artery
- bqsilar artery
- baailar artery
- bazilar artery
- baxilar artery
- badilar artery
- baeilar artery
- bawilar artery
- basular artery
- basjlar artery
- basklar artery
- basolar artery
- bas9lar artery
Etymology of BASILAR ARTERY
The word "basilar" comes from the Latin word "basis", meaning "base" or "foundation". The term "artery" derives from the Latin word "arteria", which originally referred to the windpipe or artery, and was later used to describe blood vessels.
Therefore, the term "basilar artery" refers to the main artery that forms the base or foundation of the arterial network at the base of the brain.
Similar spelling word for BASILAR ARTERY
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