25 Questions
Which sinus does the superficial middle cerebral vein drain into?
Cavernous sinus
Which veins connect the superficial middle cerebral vein to the superior sagittal sinus and the transverse sinus respectively?
Trolard vein and Labbé vein
Where do the inferior cerebral veins drain blood from?
Inferior aspect of each cerebral hemisphere
What forms the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen)?
Union of 2 deep veins: internal cerebral v.v. under corpus callosum
Which veins receive blood from the medullary veins and drain into the dural venous sinuses?
Subependymal veins
Which artery supplies the same side part of the brain hemispheres?
Internal carotid artery
Where does the internal carotid artery originate from?
Bifurcation of common carotid artery
Which part of the internal carotid artery is described as having no branches?
Cervical part
Where does the internal carotid artery enter the skull?
Carotid canal
What does the internal carotid artery supply in addition to part of the brain hemispheres?
Eye & accessory structures
Which part of the internal carotid artery is located inside the cavernous sinus?
Cavernous part
At which level does the internal carotid artery bifurcate from the common carotid artery?
Upper level of thyroid cartilage, C4
Which structure contains baroreceptors at its bifurcation?
Carotid sinus
What does the internal carotid artery form on the inferior surface of the brain?
Cerebral arterial circle (Circle of Willis)
Which part of the internal carotid artery divides into its terminal branches when it reaches the anterior perforated substance?
Cerebral part
Which artery supplies blood to the eye?
Ophthalmic artery
Where do the vertebral arteries originate?
From the subclavian artery
Which part of the internal carotid artery passes near the cavernous sinus?
Petrous part
What is an aneurysm?
Abnormal swelling of an artery
What is the function of the Circle of Willis?
Distribute blood with equal pressure to various parts of the brain
What causes strokes?
Interruption of blood flow to the brain or brainstem
Where does the basilar artery ascend along?
Ventral midline of the pons
Which arteries supply the inferior surface of the cerebellum?
Anterior inferior cerebellar arteries
What does MCA stand for in relation to arteries?
Middle Cerebral Artery
What can rupture and cause subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhages?
Cerebral aneurysms
Study Notes
- The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a major artery that supplies blood to the brain, originating from the internal carotid artery
- The internal carotid artery enters the skull through the carotid canal, which is located on the inferior surface of the temporal bone
- The petrous part of the internal carotid artery passes near the cavernous sinus in the carotid canal
- The cavernous part of the internal carotid artery enters the subarachnoid space through the dura
- The MCA gives off several branches, including the ophthalmic artery, which supplies blood to the eye, and the anterior communicating artery, which connects the two hemispheres
- The vertebral arteries also supply blood to the brain, originating from the first part of each subclavian artery in the lower neck
- The vertebral arteries join to form the basilar artery at the pontomedullary junction, which then ascends along the ventral midline of the pons
- The basilar artery gives off several branches, including the anterior inferior cerebellar arteries, which supply the inferior surface of the cerebellum, and the superior cerebellar arteries, which supply the superior cerebellum and part of the rostral pons
- The Circle of Willis is an interconnecting system of vessels that ensures blood brought by the internal carotid and basilar arteries is distributed with equal pressure to various parts of the brain
- Strokes are cerebrovascular accidents caused by interruption of blood flow to the brain or brainstem, resulting in neurological impairment lasting more than 24 hours
- Aneurysms are abnormal balloon-like swellings of arteries that can rupture and cause subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhages, with 90% of cerebral aneurysms occurring in the Circle of Willis.
Test your knowledge of the arterial blood supply to the human brain with this quiz. Learn about the vascular sources and circulation within the cranial cavity.
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