Middle Cerebral Artery

Question 1

Segments of MCA

Answer 1

M1- horizontal or sphenoid; M2- insular; M3- opercular; M4- cortical. M1 segment has two segments (prebifurcation and postbifurcation) and it terminates at the genu. M2 is from the genu to the tip limen insula or circular sulcus. M3 is from the tip of the limen insula or circular sulcus to the surface of the sylvian. M4 is from the surface of the sylvian up to distal.

Question 2

Braches of the proximal MCA (M1-M2) segment

Answer 2

PERFORATING branches: lateral lentriculostriate arteries. CORTICAL branch: anterior temporal artery

Question 3

Cortical branches of distal MCA (M3-M4)

Answer 3

Group I or Anterior group- orbitofrontal (AKA lateral orbitofrontal), prefrontal (AKA ascending frontal; candelabra). Group II or Intermediate/Central group- precentral, central (AKA rolandic), posterior central (AKA anterior parietal). Group III or Posterior group- Posterior parietal, angular, temporooccipital, temporal (posterior temporal, middle temporal, anterior temporal), temporopolar. SUPERIOR TRUNK- orbitofrontal (AKA lateral orbitofrontal) up to precentral. INFERIOR TRUNK- angular to temporopolar. Central (AKA rolandic), postecentral (AKA anterior parietal) and posterior parietal are part of dominant trunk.

Question 4

Candelabra

Answer 4

Prefrontal (AKA ascending frontal)

Question 5

Largest branch to frontal lobe

Answer 5

Central (AKA rolandic)

Question 6

Largest branch to parietal

Answer 6

Angular

Question 7

Smallest cortical branch

Answer 7

Temporopolar