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Blood vessels on superolateral surface of brain
In this specimen we can see middle cerebral artery which is a branch of internal carotid artery running in the lateral sulcus of brain. We can also see the cortical branches of anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries supplying the superolateral surface of brain. These cortical branches run on the surface of cerebrum and anastomose freely. We can also see the vertebral artery which is a branch of subclavian artery. The two vertebral arteries join to form the basilar artery. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) which is a branch of vertebral artery and supplying the posterior and inferior aspect of cerebellum can also be seen. Both basilar and internal carotid arteries supply the entire central nervous system.
Middle cerebral artery:
The middle cerebral artery is a larger terminal branch of the internal carotid artery. It supplies most of the superolateral surface of the cerebrum. The region of the cerebral cortex supplied includes the greater parts of primary motor and sensory areas, and frontal eyefield. In the dominant hemisphere, it also includes the Broca’s and Wernicke’s speech areas. It also supplies the lateral part of the orbital surface of the frontal lobe and the temporal pole of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum.
Internal carotid artery:
It is a branch of the common carotid artery given off in the neck region above the level of the upper margin of the thyroid cartilage. It extends upwards and enters the cranial cavity where it takes part in the formation of “Circle of Willis” and supplies the brain.
Lateral sulcus:
The lateral sulcus is the most prominent of all the cerebral sulci and is appreciated in the superolateral surface of the cerebrum. It has a stem and three rami. The auditory area is closely related to the lateral sulcus.
Vertebral artery:
The vertebral artery is a branch of the subclavian artery. The artery arises in the neck and then ascends through the foramina transversaria of the upper 6 cervical vertebrae. It then enters the cranial cavity through the foramen magnum. At the lower border of the pons, the two vertebral arteries unite to form the basilar artery.
Basilar artery:
The basilar artery is formed by the union of two vertebral arteries at the lower part of the pons. It takes part in the formation of “Circle of Willis” and supplies the brain. The artery ascends in the basilar sulcus on the ventral surface of the pons. It terminates at the upper border of the pons by dividing into right and left posterior cerebral arteries. Anterior inferior cerebellar, pontine branches, labyrinthine, and superior cerebellar arteries are the other branches of the basilar artery.
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA):
The PICA is the largest intracranial branch of the vertebral artery.
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