The brainstem receives blood supply via the verterbal and basilar arteries and their branches. Branches of these arteries that supply each part of the brainstem are as follows.

Medulla oblongata

The medulla oblongata is supplied by the following vessels:

Anterior inferior cerebellar artery of the basilar artery
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery of the vertebral artery
Anterior and posterior spinal arteries of the vertebral artery

Pons

The pons receives arterial blood supply via branches of the superior cerebellar artery, pontine arteries and anterior inferior cerebellar artery of the basilar artery.

Midbrain

The midbrain is supplied by the:

Superior cerebellar artery of the basilar artery
Posterior cerebral artery and its quadrigeminal branch
Paramedian branch of the basilar artery
Posterior medial choroidal artery of the posterior cerebral artery
Interpeduncular perforating branches of the basilar artery

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is supplied by branches of the following three paired arteries:

The first two arteries are branches of the basilar artery, while the posterior inferior cerebellar artery arises from the vertebral artery.

Vertebrobasilar system

All mentioned arteries are a part of the vertebrobasilar system, which is the posterior circulation system of the brain. The posterior circulation system derives arterial blood from the bilateral vertebral arteries and supply the brainstem, cerebellum and several other brain regions, while most of the cerebrum is supplied by the anterior circulation system, which is formed by branches of the internal carotid artery.

Circle of Willis

Both circulation systems of the brain are connected by anastomosing blood vessels that create a structure called the circle of Willis encircling the optic chiasm, hypothalamus, midbrain and pituitary gland. It can be found on the base of the brain (on the inferior surface). The circle of Willis provides anastomotic blood flow between the anterior and posterior circulations in case a part of the circulation is occluded - this may be because of a vascular disease or damage.

Arteries forming the circle of Willis

Vessels of the anterior circulation system that participate in forming the circle of Willis include:

Arteries of the posterior circulation that comprise part of the circle of Willis are as following:

The left and right anterior circulation systems are connected with the help of an unpaired anterior communicating artery. The anterior and posterior circulations are interconnected via paired posterior communicating arteries.

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Arterial blood supply of the brainstem and cerebellum