Which artery is formed by the unification of the vertebral arteries?

The basilar artery is formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries, which arise from the subclavian arteries. This junction occurs at the base of the brain, specifically at the level of the pons. The basilar artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to important structures in the brain, such as the brainstem, cerebellum, and parts of the cerebrum, particularly the occipital and temporal lobes.

Understanding the vascular anatomy is essential for comprehending how blood flow is distributed to various parts of the brain, and recognizing the significance of the basilar artery is fundamental in assessing conditions that may affect cerebral circulation, such as strokes or aneurysms. The other options refer to different arteries that do not result from the unification of the vertebral arteries: the carotid arteries supply the face and neck, the subclavian arteries supply the arms, and cerebral arteries refer more broadly to the arteries within the brain itself.