Lenticulostriate arteries

Lenticulostriate arteries are small, deep penetrating arteries that provide blood to the brain's basal ganglia and internal capsule. They originate from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and are of significant clinical importance due to their involvement in certain types of stroke.

Anatomy

The lenticulostriate arteries are typically divided into two groups: the medial and lateral lenticulostriate arteries. The medial lenticulostriate arteries, also known as the recurrent artery of Heubner, originate from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). The lateral lenticulostriate arteries, on the other hand, arise from the MCA.

These arteries penetrate the brain substance perpendicularly, supplying the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and the anterior limb of the internal capsule. They are end arteries, meaning they do not anastomose with other arteries, making the areas they supply particularly vulnerable to ischemia.

Clinical significance

Due to their small size and deep penetration into the brain, the lenticulostriate arteries are prone to damage from hypertension. Chronic hypertension can lead to lipohyalinosis, a degenerative condition that can cause the walls of these arteries to become weak and prone to rupture. This can result in a type of stroke known as a lacunar infarct.

Furthermore, the lenticulostriate arteries can be involved in hemorrhagic stroke due to aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

See also

• Circle of Willis
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Stroke