Anterior meningeal artery

Anterior Meningeal Artery

Anterior meningeal artery and its branches (shown in red).

The Anterior Meningeal Artery is a small branch of the vertebral artery that supplies the meninges and parts of the calvaria. It is a significant component of the circulatory system in the human body.

Structure

The anterior meningeal artery originates from the vertebral artery, which is a major artery in the neck. It ascends to the foramen magnum, enters the cranial cavity, and supplies the meninges and parts of the calvaria.

Function

The primary function of the anterior meningeal artery is to supply blood to the meninges and parts of the calvaria. The meninges are the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, and the calvaria is the upper, domelike portion of the skull.

Clinical significance

Damage to the anterior meningeal artery can lead to subdural hematoma, a condition where blood collects between the layers of the meninges. This can cause increased pressure on the brain, leading to symptoms such as headache, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

See also

• Vertebral artery
• Meninges
• Calvaria (skull)
• Subdural hematoma

External links

• Anatomy.org