45 Questions
How many bilateral pairs of arteries supply blood to the brain?
Two
What is the origin of the Internal Carotid Artery (ICA)?
Common carotid artery in the neck
Through which point does the Internal Carotid Artery enter the skull?
Through the petrous portion of the temporal bone
What is the origin of the Vertebral Artery (VA)?
First part of the subclavian artery
Through which point does the Vertebral Artery enter the skull?
Foramen magnum
What part of the brain is supplied by the Internal Carotid Artery?
Forebrain (CTH)
What part of the brain is supplied by the Vertebral Artery?
Cerebellum and brainstem
Which part of the spinal cord is supplied by the Vertebral Artery?
Inferior part
Which of the following is NOT supplied by the Internal Carotid Artery?
Occipital lobe
What percentage of the cardiac output is received by the brain in healthy adults?
15-20%
What is the main purpose of blood flow to the brain?
To deliver oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients and remove waste products
Why is continuous blood flow to the brain required?
Because the brain's oxygen demand remains the same at all times
What is the main branch of the vertebral artery that forms near its termination?
Anterior Spinal Artery
What can occur if the blood supply to any part of the brain is interrupted for more than a few minutes?
Permanent neurological damage
How many Posterior Spinal Arteries are there?
Two
What is the primary function of the densely branching arterial network in the brain?
To provide a profuse blood supply to the brain
What is the clinical significance of the Circle of Willis?
It is an important anastomotic structure for blood supply to the brain
What is the name of the artery that is formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries?
Basilar Artery
How can infection or cancer from the abdominal or pelvic cavity spread to the brain?
Through the bloodstream
Where is the basilar artery located?
In the groove on the anterior surface of the pons
What is the name of the artery that supplies the pons?
Pontine Artery
What is the effect of occlusion of specific arteries to the brain?
Ischemic cell death and permanent neurological damage
How many branches does the posterior cerebral artery divide into?
Two
What is the primary reason for the brain's high metabolic requirements?
High demand for both oxygen and glucose
What is the mnemonic device used to remember the branches of the basilar artery?
ALPS-P
What is the first branch of the basilar artery according to the mnemonic ALPS-P?
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery
What is the acronym of the first branch of the basilar artery according to the mnemonic ALPS-P?
AICA
What is the primary function of the Labyrinthine Artery?
To supply the inner ear
Which branch of the PCA supplies the Uncus, Parahippocampal, medial, and lateral occipital temporal gyri?
Temporal artery
What is the destination of the posterior choroidal branch?
Inferior horn of the lateral ventricle
What structure does the Parieto-occipital branch supply?
Cuneus and precuneus
Which artery will be further discussed under the Blood Supply of the Cerebellum?
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA)
What is the function of the Central branches of the PCA?
Pierce the brain substance and supply various structures
Which artery supplies the choroid plexus of the Lateral and 3rd Ventricle?
Posterior Choroidal Artery
What is the destination of the Occipital branches?
Cuneus, lingual gyrus, and posterolateral surface of occipital lobe
What is the origin of the Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA)?
Basilar Artery
What are the veins of the spinal cord devoid of?
Muscular tissue
What is the pattern of venous drainage of the spinal cord similar to?
That of the arterial supply of the spinal cord
What do the central/sulcal veins within the substance of the spinal cord drain into?
Pial Venous Plexus
How many anterior lateral spinal veins are there?
2
What is the name of the plexus of surface veins formed by the longitudinal arrangement of spinal veins?
Coronal Plexus
What do the Anterior and Posterior Radicular and Medullary Veins drain into?
Internal Vertebral Venous Plexus
Where is the Internal Vertebral Venous Plexus located?
In the epidural space
What does the Internal Vertebral Venous Plexus communicate with superiorly?
All of the above
What is the External Vertebral Venous Plexus connected to via the Intervertebral Vein?
Systemic Venous System
Study Notes
Arterial Supply of the Brain
- The brain receives blood from two bilateral pairs of interconnected arteries: Internal Carotid Arteries (ICA) and Vertebral Arteries (VA).
- The ICA supplies the anterior part of the brain, including the forebrain, cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
- The VA supplies the posterior part of the brain, including the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord.
Internal Carotid Artery (ICA)
- The ICA arises from the common carotid artery in the neck and enters the skull through the petrous portion of the temporal bone.
- The ICA supplies the anterior part of the deep cerebral hemisphere, including the thalamus and hypothalamus.
Vertebral Artery (VA)
- The VA arises from the first part of the subclavian artery and enters the skull through the foramen magnum.
- The VA supplies the posterior part of the deep cerebral hemisphere, including the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord.
Circle of Willis
- The Circle of Willis is a critical structure that connects the ICA and VA to ensure continuous blood flow to the brain.
- The Circle of Willis is formed by the union of the two ICA and the two VA, which then divide into several branches.
Arterial Supply of the Spinal Cord
- The spinal cord receives blood from the Anterior Spinal Artery (ASA) and Posterior Spinal Arteries (PSA).
- The ASA is formed from a contributory branch from each VA near its termination and supplies the anterior surface of the spinal cord.
- The PSA arises from the VA or Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) and supplies the posterior surface of the spinal cord.
Basilar Artery
- The Basilar Artery is formed by the union of the two VA and lies in the groove on the anterior surface of the pons.
- The Basilar Artery gives off several branches, including the Pontine Artery, Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA), Labyrinthine Artery, and Posterior Cerebral Artery.
Posterior Cerebral Artery
- The Posterior Cerebral Artery forms part of the Circle of Willis and connects to the Posterior Communicating Artery (PComA) of the ICA.
- The Posterior Cerebral Artery supplies the posterior part of the brain, including the occipital lobe and thalamus.
Venous Drainage of the Spinal Cord
- The veins of the spinal cord are valveless and devoid of muscular tissue.
- The veins of the spinal cord follow a similar pattern to that of its arterial supply.
- The veins of the spinal cord drain into the Pial Venous Plexus, which then drains into the Anterior and Posterior Spinal Veins.
- The Anterior and Posterior Spinal Veins drain into the Anterior and Posterior Radicular and Medullary Veins, which join the Anterior and Posterior Internal Vertebral Venous Plexus.
- The Internal Vertebral Venous Plexus communicates with the Dural Sinuses of the brain and the Basilar Vertebral Plexus of the vertebra.
Test your knowledge of the blood supply and drainage of the brain and spinal cord, including the Circle of Willis, cerebral veins, and effects of occlusion. Learn about the routes of spread of infection or cancer to the brain and spinal cord.
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