Precerebral artery

Precerebral Artery

Diagram of the arterial circulation at the base of the brain (Precerebral arteries labeled at center)

The Precerebral Artery refers to any of the arteries that supply blood to the parts of the brain before they reach the cerebral cortex. These arteries include the Internal Carotid Artery, Vertebral Artery, and the Basilar Artery.

Anatomy

The precerebral arteries originate from the Aortic Arch and ascend through the neck to the base of the brain. They are responsible for supplying blood to the brain and other structures in the head.

Internal Carotid Artery

The Internal Carotid Artery is a major paired artery, one on each side of the head, that supplies blood to the brain. It arises from the Common Carotid Artery when it splits into the internal carotid artery and the External Carotid Artery.

Vertebral Artery

The Vertebral Artery is one of the major arteries of the neck. It originates from the Subclavian Artery and ascends in the neck to supply the posterior part of the brain and spinal cord with blood.

Basilar Artery

The Basilar Artery is formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries. It travels up the front of the brainstem and divides into two Posterior Cerebral Arteries that supply the posterior part of the brain.

Clinical Significance

Blockage or narrowing of the precerebral arteries can lead to a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or a Stroke. Symptoms can include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, and severe headache with no known cause.

See Also

• Circle of Willis
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Carotid Artery Stenosis
• Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency