basilar artery
1
7.1
- noun
- /ˈbæzɪlər ˈɑrteri/
- Specialized
:
arteria basilar
- A blockage in the basilar artery can lead to serious neurological symptoms and reduced blood flow to the brain.
Examples
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Post-operative imaging revealed an aneurysm in the basilar artery, indicating potential complications.
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The lesion abutted the right medial temporal lobe, the right internal carotid artery, and the basilar artery.
Academic text (2006) -
The mass abuts the right medial temporal lobe, the right internal carotid artery, and the basilar artery.
Academic text (2006) -
Another area of interest from a neuroanatomical standpoint is that of the anterior portion of the brainstem, which is supplied by branches of the basilar artery.
Academic text (1994) -
The basilar artery is unique in that it is a single artery formed from two arteries, the vertebral arteries, which course superiorly from the spinal column into the back of the neck.
Academic text (1994) -
The surgeon carefully examined the basilar artery during the procedure to ensure it was not damaged.
Synonyms
An artery at the base of the brain that carries blood to the brainstem, cerebellum and inner ear
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term transparently combines 'basilar' (pertaining to the base of a structure) with 'artery' (a blood vessel), so the meaning 'an artery at the base [of the brain]' is directly derivable from the constituents. Although anatomical, the compositional pattern is regular and mirrored in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would be able to infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Basilar artery is named for its place and job: basilar comes from the word 'base' because it sits at the base of the brain, and artery is a blood vessel. So the name means the main blood vessel at the brain's base that sends blood to the brain stem and the back parts of the brain.