Arteries of the Brain
The brain receives blood from two sources: the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries. While the human brain constitutes only 2% of the total body weight, it receives 15-20% of the body's blood supply and up to 25% of the body’s oxygen for proper function. As brain cells will die if the supply of blood is interrupted, the brain has top priority for the body’s oxygenated blood. The blood flow, for a healthy person, is 54 milliliter per minute per 1000 grams of brain weight. Thus, approximately 46 milliliters of oxygen is used by the brain each minute.
Some of the significant arteries of the brain.
- Anterior Cerebral Artery
- One of two branches of the Internal Carotid artery, the left and right, and a part of the Circle of Willis. It delivers blood to the thalamus and parts of the frontal and parietal cortex. Damage to this artery can cause lower body sensory and motor impairment cognition problems.
- Anterior Communicating Artery
- A short vessel that connects the left and right Anterior Cerebral arteries. It is one of the most common locations for a Brain Aneurysm. Of the people who do survive a ruptured Aneurysm of the Anterior Communicating artery, most (some sources indicate approximately 85%) will completely recover, or recover well enough to lead a normal life. Others, (some sources indicate approximately 5-15%) will suffer long lasting impairment such as memory and personality changes.
- Internal Carotid Artery
- The main vessel that feeds blood to the anterior portion of the Circle of Willis. Aneurysms, disease, or damage to this artery can impede or even stop blood flow to an entire side of the brain.
- Middle Cerebral Artery
- One of the three major paired arteries that supply blood to the brain. The largest and most complex of the cerebral arteries, it is not considered part of the Circle of Willis. It is this artery that is most often occluded in stroke.
- Posterior Communicating Artery
- Part of the Circle of Willis it is one of a pair or right and left sided vessels. A small vessel, lying near the base of the brain, it bridges the larger posterior cerebral arteries. It is the second most common site for Circle of Willis Aneurysms.
- Posterior Cerebral Artery
- An artery that is formed by the bifurcation of the Basilar artery and supplies blood to the posterior portion of the brain. Branches of the posterior cerebral artery supply portions of the Occipital Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Brainstem, Inferior temporal gyrus, and Choroid Plexus.
- Basilar Artery
- An artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the brain formed by the union of the right and left vertebral arteries. The Basilar, together with the two Vertebral arteries are something referred to as the Vertebro-basilar system which supplies blood to the posterior portion of the Circle of Willis, though the Basilar is not considered a part of the Circle of Willis.
- Vertebral Artery
- Branches of the Subclavian arteries that together with the Basilar artery is sometimes referred to as the Vertebro-basilar system which supplies blood to the posterior portion of the Circle of Willis.
- Anterior Spinal Artery
- The vessel which supplies blood to the anterior portion of the spinal cord.
Nothing on this website should, in any way be considered medical advice. It is presented as general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of medical condition. I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical or health care professional. Nor am I an expert on Aneurysms. However, I am an expert on the experience of having suffered a ruptured Aneurysm and the subsequent treatment I received. This site should not be considered to be, nor is it intended to be, a definitive source of information regarding Aneurysms. I have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of any information presented here, but again, I am not a medical professional and my own interpretation of this information could be in error.