Final answer:
The basilar artery irrigates the midbrain and pons in the brainstem. Cranial nerves III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII can be affected by disruptions in blood flow through the basilar artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basilar artery supplies blood to the posterior portion of the cerebrum and brain stem. It is responsible for irrigating the midbrain and pons, which are parts of the brainstem. The cranial nerves that can be affected by any disruption in blood flow through the basilar artery include the oculomotor nerve (CN III), trochlear nerve (CN IV), trigeminal nerve (CN V), abducens nerve (CN VI), facial nerve (CN VII), and vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII).