Which artery supplies both the middle cerebral artery and the anterior cerebral artery?

The internal carotid artery is the correct choice because it branches into the middle cerebral artery and the anterior cerebral artery. The internal carotid artery ascends into the cranial cavity and provides blood supply directly to the anterior circulation of the brain.

When the internal carotid artery enters the skull, it bifurcates into two primary branches: the middle cerebral artery, which supplies a large portion of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres, and the anterior cerebral artery, which supplies the medial portions of the frontal lobes and superior medial parietal lobes. This dual supply is essential for ensuring adequate blood flow to significant areas of the brain.

In contrast, the vertebral artery and the basilar artery primarily supply the posterior circulation of the brain and do not contribute to the anterior circulation that feeds into the middle and anterior cerebral arteries. While the common carotid artery is responsible for supplying the head and neck region, it divides into the internal and external carotid arteries, but it is the internal carotid artery that directly feeds into the arteries mentioned in the question.