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The vertebral and internal carotid arteries are the primary suppliers of blood to the brain. The internal carotid arteries branch off from the common carotid arteries and ascend into the skull, where they contribute to the cerebral arterial circle (Circle of Willis), ensuring a consistent blood supply to the brain's critical regions. The vertebral arteries travel along the spinal column and also contribute to the Circle of Willis via the basilar artery, which is formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries.

Although the anterior and middle cerebral arteries arise from the internal carotids and do supply parts of the brain, they are not directly responsible for supplying blood to the brain from outside it. The external carotids are primarily involved in supplying blood to the face and neck, while the occipital and thyrocervical arteries have more localized roles and do not play a direct role in the primary blood supply to the brain. Thus, the vertebral and internal carotid arteries are essential for ensuring adequate cerebral perfusion.