Abstract: Objective　To observe the anatomy of the Chinese cadaver specimens, the initial position of the cerebellar artery, the characteristics of the course and the adjacent relationship between the cerebellar artery and the trigeminal nerve roots, providing anatomical basis for the trigeminal microvascular decompression operation.　Methods　Twelve adult cadaveric specimens fixed in formalin were collected, the superior cerebellar artery, anterior inferior cerebellar artery, posterior inferior cerebellar artery and trigeminal nerve were dissected   microscopically. At the same time, the location of the relevant arteries, nerves, and walking characteristics were observed, and the outer diameter of the initial segment of the artery and its closest distance to the trigeminal nerve root were measured.　Results　A total of 27 superior cerebellar arteries were found in 12 cadaveric heads, 2 of which compressed trigeminal nerve roots, 5 of which branches contacted with nerve roots, and the closest distance between the remaining non-contacted and the trigeminal nerves was (3.87±1.58) mm（0.55~6.30 mm）. There were 23 cases of anterior inferior cerebellar arteries, 1 of them compressed nerve root, 2 of them contacted with nerve roots, and the nearest distance with trigeminal nerve roots was (4.67±1.77) mm（2.65~9.50 mm). Twenty-one posterior inferior cerebellar arteries were found, and the closest distance to the trigeminal nerve root was (17.12±3.86) mm (10.45~25.70 mm), and there was no contact or compression between the arteries and nerve roots.　Conclusions　The superior cerebellar arteries are closely related to the trigeminal nerve roots and often contact with the roots and compresses them, which is the main anatomical basis for the occurrence of trigeminal neuralgia. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery is slightly apart from the trigeminal nerve, and can also contact with the trigeminal nerve or compress the nerve, which is one of the anatomical foundation of trigeminal neuralgia.

Key words: Superior cerebellar artery, 　Anterior inferior cerebellar artery, 　Posterior inferior cerebellar artery, 　Trigeminal nerve, 　Applied anatomy