Posterior Cerebral Artery

Question 1

Origin

Answer 1

Right and left cerebral arteries begin at pons upper border as the 2 terminals branches of basilar artery

Question 2

Course

Answer 2

1. Curves lateral and backwards around midbrain cerebral peduncle
2. Above and parallel to superior cerebellar artery with Trochlear nerve in between
3. Continues to reach below corpus splenium on hemisphere medial surface

Question 3

End

Answer 3

1. By dividing into terminal cortical branches run into parieto-occipital and calcarine sulci
2. Each artery is connected to ICA of its side by posterior communicating artery

Question 4

Cortical branches supply

Answer 4

1. Hemisphere tenetorial surface behind temporal pole (supplied by MCA)
2. Narrow strip on temporal lobe lateral surface along hemisphere inferior border
3. Whole occipital lobe (medial, lateral, and inferior surfaces)

Question 5

Central branches: short medial group

Answer 5

Short medial group pierce posterior perforated substance and supply:
1. Midbrain cerebral peduncles
2. Mammillary bodies
3. Thalamus anterior part
4. Subthalamic region

Question 6

Central branches: long lateral group

Answer 6

Curve around midbrain lateral side and supply:
1. Thalamus posterior part
2. Lateral and medial geniculate bodies
3. Pineal body
4. Midbrain tectum

Question 7

Posterior choroidal artery

Answer 7

1. Arises from PCA while lying below corpus splenium
2. Passes forwards inside 3rd ventricle tela choroidea

Question 8

Posterior choroidal artery supply

Answer 8

1. Choroid plexus of 3rd and lateral ventricle central part
2. Thalamus upper surface

Question 9

Clinical importance

Answer 9

Supplies 5 important regions:
1. Smell center in uncus
2. Whole visual cortex in occipital lobe
3. Most thalamus
4. Most midbrain
5. Most of lateral and 3rd ventricles choroid plexuses