Blood supply to brain

Question 1

What four arteries make up the anterior circulation?

Answer 1

• Internal carotid arteries (arise from common carotid arteries, ICA enters cranium through carotid canal, branches to hypophyseal, opthalmic, post. Communication and ant. Choroidal, anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery before termination)
• Anterior spinal arteries (anterior horn + ventral root damage = medial medullary infarct syndrome)

Question 2

What 9 arteries make up the posterior circulation?

Answer 2

• L + R vertebral arteries join to form….
• Basilar arteries branches into….
• Anterior inferior cerebellar arteries (upper medulla and pons, ataxia)
• Pontine arteries (pons, paralysis)
• Superior cerebellar arteries (dorsolateral part of medulla)
• Posterior cerebral arteries (medial and inferior surfaces of temporal and occipital lobes, thalamic syndrome,
• Posterior spinal arteries
• Posterior inferior cerebellar artery, supplies inferior surface of cerebellum (lateral medullary infarct syndrome)

Question 3

Where do the sinuses drain?

Answer 3

Dural venous sinuses & cerebral veins….

Drain into vertebral and internal jugular veins

Question 4

What is the most common site of an aneurysm?

Answer 4

Circle of Willis

Question 5

What is the most common site of stroke?

Answer 5

middle cerebral artery