Pontine branches of basilar artery

The pontine branches of basilar artery are multiple small vessels arising along the course of the basilar artery to supply the pons. They arise mainly from the posterior and lateral aspects of the basilar artery and are traditionally classified according to the distance they travel around the circumference of the pons before penetrating the brainstem. They can therefore be broadly divided into medial (median and paramedian) pontine arteries and lateral (circumferential) pontine arteries, the latter comprising short and long circumferential branches.

Vascular distribution

Together, these pontine branches of basilar artery supply much of the ventral and deep pons, including the corticospinal tracts, pontine nuclei and transverse pontocerebellar fibres, medial lemniscus, cranial nerve nuclei and fascicles, and middle cerebellar peduncle, although individual territories vary and overlap.

Clinical correlates

Occlusion of medial and lateral pontine arteries produces characteristic medial or lateral pontine syndromes.