Head - Arterial Supply of the Brain (1) Flashcards
From which great vessel do the vertebral arteries arise?
From each subclavian artery.
What is the basilar artery?
This is the convergence / union of both vertebral arteries into one basilar artery. It leads to the inferior aspect of the Circle of Willis, and, along the way, gives off the anterior inferior cerebellar arteries and the superior cerebellar arteries.
Through which foramina do the internal carotid arteries enter the cranial cavity?
Through the carotid canals in the petrous part of the temporal bones.
Before joining the Circle of Willis, the internal carotid artery passes through which important structure?
Cavernous sinus.
What are the two terminal branches of the internal carotid arteries?
The anterior cerebral arteries and the middle cerebral arteries.
What is meant by the “anterior circulation of the brain”?
The internal carotids and their branches (ACA and MCA)
What is the anterior communicating artery?
This connects the two anterior cerebral arteries.
What are the posterior communicating arteries?
These are paired arteries that connect the anterior circulation (the internal carotids) to the posterior circulation (the posterior cerebral arteries)
What is the course of the cervical parts of the vertebral arteries?
They ascend towards the cranium through the transverse foramina of the first 6 cervical vertebrae.
What are the terminal branches of the basilar artery?
The two posterior cerebral arteries.
Which parts of the brain are supplied by the MCA?
Most of the lateral surface of cerebral hemispheres.
Which parts of the brain are supplied by the ACA?
Cerebral hemispheres, except for occipital lobes and lateral surfaces.
Which parts of the brain are supplied by the PCA?
Occipital lobes and inferior aspect of temporal lobes.
