Arterial Supply of the Brain

Question 1

Where does the common carotid artery divide into the external and internal carotid arteries?

Answer 1

Upper boarder of thyroid cartilage

Question 2

Where does the internal carotid artery flow after the common carotid bifurcates?

Answer 2

Carotid canal at the base of the skull

Question 3

From where do the vertebral arteries arise?

Answer 3

First part of the subclavian arteries

Question 4

Summarise the flow of the internal carotid artery from its bifurcation to the Circle of Willis

Answer 4

1. Enters skull through carotid canal
2. Travels above foramen lacerum
3. Enters cavernous sinus and travels its length
4. Emerges from cavernous sinus by piercing its roof under the anterior clinoid process
5. Gives off branches of the Circle of Willis

Question 5

Describe the flow of the internal carotid artery inside the brain

Answer 5

1. Curves upward under anterior clinoid process

2. Gives off ophthalmic artery (to orbit) and posterior communicating artery (joins posterior cerebral artery)

Question 6

How does the internal carotid artery end?

Answer 6

Gives 2 terminal branches:

1. Anterior cerebral
2. Middle cerebral

Question 7

How does the vertebral artery enter the skull?

Answer 7

Foramen magnum

Question 8

What does internal carotid artery and vertebral artery form around the base of the skull?

Answer 8

Circle of Willis

Question 9

What is the function of the Circle of Willis?

Answer 9

Ensure blockage of arterial flow in one artery can be compensated for

Question 10

Through which vertebrae does the vertebral artery pass through?

Answer 10

C6-C1

Question 11

Through which vertebrae does the vertebral vein pass through?

Answer 11

C7-C1

Question 12

How does the Circle of Willis carry out its function?

Answer 12

Maintains connection between right subclavian and left common carotid

Question 13

Where does the basilar artery run?

Answer 13

From the beginning to the end of the pons along the midline

Question 14

Through which part of a vertebra do the vertebral vessels pass?

Answer 14

Transverse foramen

Question 15

What are 3 branches of the internal carotid artery found in the Circle of Willis?

Answer 15

1. Anterior cerebral
2. Middle cerebral
3. Posterior communicating artery

Question 16

Describe the different arteries which form the posterior cerebral artery

Answer 16

1. Aorta
2. Subclavian a.
3. Vertebral a.
4. Basilar a.
5. Posterior cerebral a.

Question 17

How does the basilar artery form?

Answer 17

The unification of two vertebral arteries

Question 18

What arteries supply the pons?

Answer 18

Pontine arteries

Question 19

Where do pontine arteries arise?

Answer 19

Basilar artery

Question 20

What two arteries does the anterior communicating artery join?

Answer 20

Right and left anterior cerebral arteries

Question 21

What two arteries does the posterior communication artery join?

Answer 21

Posterior cerebral artery and the internal carotid artery

Question 22

What artery supplies the upper spinal cord?

Answer 22

Anterior spinal artery

Question 23

What artery gives the anterior spinal artery?

Answer 23

Vertebral artery

Question 24

What 2 arteries are given from the vertebral arteries before their unification?

Answer 24

1. Anterior spinal

2. Posterior inferior cerebellar

Question 25

What 2 arteries are given from the basilar vein?

Answer 25

1. Anterior inferior cerebellar

2. Superior cerebellar

Question 26

What area of the cerebrum does the anterior cerebral artery supply?

Answer 26

Medial surface until parietooccipital sulcus and one in strip on superior lateral surface

Question 27

What area of the cerebrum does the middle cerebral artery supply?

Answer 27

Lateral surface except narrow superior and inferior strips supplied by ant. and post. cerebral arteries respectively

Question 28

What area of the cerebrum does the posterior cerebral artery supply?

Answer 28

Occipital pole and inferior surface on both medial and lateral surfaces

Question 29

What artery supplied the anterior pole of the temporal lobe?

Answer 29

Middle cerebral artery

Question 30

What are 2 ways interruptions in cerebral flow can occur?

Answer 30

1. Haemorrhage

2. Thrombus

Question 31

How can a subarachnoid haemorrhage occur?

Answer 31

Rupture in an artery found in the Circle of Willis

Question 32

How can a extradural haemorrhage occur?

Answer 32

Rupture of middle meningeal artery

Question 33

How can a subdural haemorrhage occur?

Answer 33

Rupture of cerebral veins as they enter superior sagittal sinus