Anterior inferior cerebellar artery originating from the cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery.

An anomalous branch of the cavernous carotid artery, not reported previously, is described. Its appearance and distribution were unlike those of any known cavernous branch, originating at the level where the trigeminal artery is usually found but having no communication with the basilar artery. Its distribution approximated that of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. The author believes that this is an unusual form of persistent embryonic communication between the carotid artery and the vessels of the posterior fossa.