blood supply to the brain

Cerebral circulation

Formed by the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries; supplies blood to the brain.

Circle of Willis

An arterial structure at the base of the brain that provides collateral circulation.

Anterior cerebral artery

Supplies the anteromedial surface of the cerebral cortex, including parts of the frontal and parietal lobes.

Middle cerebral artery

Supplies the majority of the lateral cerebral cortex and deeper structures of the brain.

Vertebral arteries

Arise from the subclavian arteries and form part of the vertebro-basilar system.

Basilar artery

Formed by the merging of the vertebral arteries at the pons, supplies the brainstem and cerebellum.