Blood supply to the Brain W1 L0

Circle of Willis

A circular network of arteries at the base of the brain that connects the anterior and posterior blood supply, allowing for collateral circulation.

Internal Carotid Artery (ICA)

Main artery that supplies blood to the anterior and middle aspects of the brain.

Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)

Largest branch of the internal carotid artery; supplies lateral portions of the cerebral cortex.

Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)

Terminal branch of the basilar artery; supplies the occipital lobe and inferior aspect of the temporal lobe.

Basilar Artery

Formed by the union of the vertebral arteries; supplies the brainstem and cerebellum.

Anterior Communicating Artery

Connects the left and right anterior cerebral arteries, allowing blood flow between the two.

Vertebral Arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the posterior circulation of the brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem.

Venous Drainage

The system of veins responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the brain; includes superficial and deep veins as well as dural venous sinuses.

Cavernous Sinus

A cavity located on either side of the pituitary gland that drains blood from the orbit and receives venous blood from the brain.

Collateral Circulation

Alternate pathways for blood flow that can occur if a primary vessel becomes occluded.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Also known as a stroke; occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to tissue damage.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the buildup of plaques in the arterial walls, a major risk factor for stroke.

Ischemic Stroke

Type of stroke that occurs due to a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Type of stroke that occurs due to a rupture of a blood vessel, leading to bleeding within or around the brain.

Saccular Aneurysm

The most common type of cerebral aneurysm, characterized by a small, round outpouching at arterial bifurcations.

Contralateral Hemiparesis

Weakness on one side of the body due to brain injury or stroke affecting the opposite side of the brain.

Anoxic Condition

A state of oxygen deprivation in the brain, which leads to unconsciousness after approximately 20 seconds without oxygen.

Dural Venous Sinuses

Channels formed between the layers of dura mater, responsible for draining blood from the brain.

Lacunar Stroke

Occlusion of small penetrating arteries that supply deep structures of the brain, resulting in specific deficits based on the affected area.

Broca’s Area

Region in the dominant (usually left) hemisphere involved in speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

Region in the dominant (usually left) hemisphere responsible for language comprehension.

What is the Circle of Willis and why is it significant in cerebral circulation?

The Circle of Willis is a circular network of arteries at the base of the brain that connects the anterior and posterior blood supply, allowing for collateral circulation. It is significant because it provides alternative routes for blood flow in case of occlusion.

Explain the difference between ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

Ischemic stroke occurs due to a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, while hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to the rupture of a blood vessel, leading to bleeding within or around the brain.

What are the implications of Broca’s area damage in a patient?

Damage to Broca's area, located in the dominant hemisphere, generally results in expressive aphasia, where the patient has difficulty producing speech but may still comprehend language.

Describe lacunar stroke and what causes it.

Lacunar stroke is the occlusion of small penetrating arteries that supply deep structures of the brain, often caused by chronic hypertension or diabetes, leading to specific deficits based on the affected area.

What role do vertebral arteries play in brain circulation?

Vertebral arteries supply blood to the posterior circulation of the brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem.

What condition is characterized by oxygen deprivation in the brain, and what are its effects?

Anoxic condition is characterized by oxygen deprivation in the brain, leading to potential unconsciousness after approximately 20 seconds without oxygen.

Define collateral circulation and why it is important in cases of vascular obstruction.

Collateral circulation refers to alternate pathways for blood flow that occur if a primary vessel becomes occluded, helping to maintain blood supply to the affected areas of the brain.

What is the consequence of a saccular aneurysm if it ruptures?

If a saccular aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue and potentially resulting in serious neurological deficits or death.

What is the role of the dural venous sinuses in brain venous drainage?

Dural venous sinuses are channels formed between the layers of the dura mater, responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart.

What are the major risk factors for atherosclerosis, and how does it affect cerebrovascular health?

Major risk factors for atherosclerosis include high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. Atherosclerosis can lead to the narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk for cerebrovascular accidents (strokes).