Circle of Willis Quiz: Test Your Anatomy Knowledge

Questions and Answers

What is the term for the artery that supplies blood to the brain from the neck?

Basilar artery

Middle cerebral artery

Anterior communicating artery

Internal carotid artery (correct)

What is the function of the anterior communicating artery?

It connects the two anterior cerebral arteries and allows for blood flow between them.

What does the term 'anterior cerebral' refer to?

It refers to the artery that supplies the medial portions of the frontal lobes and superior medial parietal lobes.

Which artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the lateral aspects of the cerebral hemispheres?

Middle cerebral artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the posterior communicating artery?

It connects the internal carotid artery with the posterior cerebral artery. Signup and view all the answers

What does the posterior cerebral artery supply?

It supplies blood to the occipital lobe and the inferior part of the temporal lobe. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the basilar artery?

It supplies blood to the posterior fossa of the brain and to the cerebellum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the vertebral artery?

It supplies blood to the posterior part of the brain and the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Circle of Willis Components

Internal Carotid Artery: Major artery supplying blood to the brain; bifurcates into anterior and middle cerebral arteries.
Anterior Communicating Artery: Short artery connecting the two anterior cerebral arteries; plays a crucial role in collateral circulation.
Anterior Cerebral Artery: Supplies blood to the medial portions of the frontal lobes and superior medial parietal lobes; involved in functions like motor and sensory processing.
Middle Cerebral Artery: Largest branch of the internal carotid artery; supplies lateral aspects of the cerebral hemisphere, impacting spatial awareness and voluntary motor control.
Posterior Communicating Artery: Connects the posterior cerebral arteries to the internal carotid system; vital for maintaining cerebral blood flow.
Posterior Cerebral Artery: Supplies blood to the occipital lobe and the bottom part of the temporal lobe; critical for vision and visual memory.
Basilar Artery: Formed by the merging of the vertebral arteries; supplies blood to the brainstem and cerebellum.
Vertebral Artery: Supplies posterior aspects of the brain; arises from the subclavian artery and joins to form the basilar artery.

Description

Test your knowledge on the components of the Circle of Willis, a critical structure for cerebral circulation. This quiz covers the major arteries, their functions, and connections essential for brain health and function. Understand how these components work together to ensure adequate blood supply to the brain.