Introduction: The basilar artery (BA) is formed by the fusion of right and left vertebral arteries
and divides to form right and left posterior cerebral arteries. This study was done
to provide a baseline database regarding length, mid-length diameter, level of origin,
and level of termination of BA.Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight formalin-fixed
brains were obtained from cadavers dissected for undergraduate studies. The external
length and the average external diameter of BA were measured by a digital Vernier
caliper. Variation in origin and termination of BA was noted using magnifying glass.
Results: The length and diameter of the BA were 25.58 ± 3.57 mm and 3.05 ± 0.41 mm, respectively.
The origin and termination of BA was normal in most cases. In two cases, the origin
was above the pontomedullary junction, and in one case, it was below. In two cases,
the termination was above the pontomesencephalic junction, and in one case, it was
below. Conclusion: There was no gender predisposition in length and diameter of the basilar artery.
The baseline data established in this study regarding length, diameter, level of origin
and level of termination of basilar artery will help neurosurgeons and interventional
radiologists to diagnose as well as plan and execute various vascular procedures such
as shunting for the treatment of aneurysms and stenosis in the blood vessels of the
posterior cranial fossa.
Key-words:
Anatomy - basilar artery - stroke - variation
