10 Questions
What is the primary cause of hydrocephalus?
Overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid
What is the name of the artery that connects the two anterior cerebral arteries?
Anterior communicating artery
What is the result of disturbances in the formation, flow, or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid?
Increase in volume of cerebrospinal fluid
What is the Circle of Willis completed by?
The union of posterior communicating artery and posterior cerebral artery on each side
What is the type of hydrocephalus caused by overproduction of CSF?
Communicating hydrocephalus
Which artery is connected by the anterior communicating artery?
Anterior cerebral artery
What is the consequence of disturbances in the formation, flow, or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system?
Increased intracranial pressure
Which of the following is NOT a type of hydrocephalus?
None of the above
What is the function of the posterior communicating artery?
Completing the Circle of Willis
What is the primary function of the Circle of Willis?
Providing collateral circulation to the brain
Study Notes
Vertebral Arteries
- Releases paired branches: anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, and posterior cerebral artery
- Provides anastomosis between the 2 internal carotid and vertebral arteries
Anterior and Posterior Communicating Arteries
- Anterior communicating artery: connects 2 anterior cerebral arteries
- Posterior communicating artery: connects posterior cerebral artery and the cerebral part of the internal carotid artery
Meninges of the Brain
- Dura mater: outermost meningeal layer, tough layer of tissue with endosteum (inner periosteum)
- Space becomes dural venous sinus when it receives venous flow from multiple sources
- Found in the middle cranial fossa
Clinical Correlations
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis (septic thrombosis) may occur from face v. angular and ophthalmic veins, middle ear v. infected IJV, lateral sinus, and petronal sinus
- Epidural Hemorrhage: a layer of dura is separated from the periosteum of the skull (indicated by the arrows)
Subarachnoid Space
- Filled with CSF: provides buoyancy to the brain, protects nervous tissue from mechanical forces, and removes waste products associated with neuronal activity
- Found at the base of the brain and sides of the brainstem
Ventricles and Cisterns
- Lateral ventricles tell the physician that he/she is examining the cerebral hemispheres
- Pools of CSF occupy subarachnoid cisterns
- Ventricles may be used as landmarks in identifying lobes and other structures of the human brain
Cerebral Arteries
- Cerebral aneurysms: most frequent cause of subarachnoid bleedings
- Ruptured cerebral aneurysm causes immediate and strong headaches combined with vomiting and changes in consciousness
Cerebral Arterial Circle/Circle of Willis
- Completed by the union of posterior communicating artery and posterior cerebral artery on each side, and by the union of 2 anterior cerebral arteries by anterior communicating artery
- Connects: 1. ICA, 2. Vertebral arteries
This quiz assesses your knowledge of vertebral arteries and their relation to cerebral circulation, including the types of branches and potential insufficiencies. Topics covered include CSF absorption and venous drainage.
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