Superior cerebellar artery

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The superior cerebellar artery (SCA) is a significant artery in the brain that supplies blood to the cerebellum and parts of the midbrain. It is one of the three main arteries that provide blood to the cerebellum, the other two being the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).

Anatomy

The superior cerebellar artery arises from the basilar artery, near its termination at the pons and midbrain junction. It courses around the brainstem, passing between the trochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV) and the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). The artery then divides into branches that supply the superior part of the cerebellum, the superior vermis, and parts of the midbrain, including the tectum and the superior colliculus.

Branches

The superior cerebellar artery gives off several branches, including:

• Pontine arteries - which supply the pons.
• Cerebellar branches - which supply the superior part of the cerebellum.

Clinical significance

Occlusion or blockage of the superior cerebellar artery can lead to a type of stroke known as a cerebellar stroke. Symptoms of a superior cerebellar artery stroke may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty walking, and problems with coordination and balance. In severe cases, it can lead to cerebellar infarction and significant neurological deficits.

See also

• Basilar artery
• Cerebellum
• Cerebellar stroke
• Anterior inferior cerebellar artery
• Posterior inferior cerebellar artery