Anterior inferior cerebellar artery: anatomy, location and function

What it is

The anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) is a branch of the basilar artery supplying the underside of the cerebellum and part of the pons.

Location

It arises from the lower part of the basilar artery, runs back near the cerebellopontine angle close to the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves, and reaches the front of the cerebellum. It usually gives off the labyrinthine artery.

Function

It supplies the anterior inferior cerebellum, the lower lateral pons and the inner ear via the labyrinthine artery.

Body system

Cardiovascular · single, midline structure

FMA ID

FMA50544 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• It sometimes forms a loop near the internal acoustic meatus.
• It is the smallest of the three cerebellar arteries.

Clinical relevance

Occlusion causes lateral pontine and cerebellar signs, including vertigo, facial weakness and hearing loss.

The nearest named structures in the 3D model, measured from the centre of each part:

• External ear · eye & ear
• Pons · nervous
• Fourth ventricle · nervous
• Basilar artery · cardiovascular
• Superior cerebellar artery · cardiovascular
• Medulla oblongata · nervous
• Inferior colliculus · nervous
• Anterior spinal artery · cardiovascular
• Rectus capitis anterior · muscular
• Postcommunicating part of posterior cerebral artery · cardiovascular