2-Minute Neuroscience: Blood Supply of the Brain

Summary

This episode of '2 Minute Neuroscience' delves into the brain's blood supply. The internal carotid arteries provide 80% of the blood, branching into anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The vertebral arteries contribute the remaining 20%, forming the basilar artery and supplying the cerebellum and spinal cord. Notably, the Circle of Willis connects major arteries, ensuring blood flow even if a vessel is blocked.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The internal carotid arteries supply about 80% of the brain's blood supply.
• 🌿 The vertebral arteries contribute the remaining 20% of the brain's blood supply.
• 🔄 The internal carotid arteries split into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries upon reaching the brain.
• 🧠 The anterior cerebral arteries supply the medial frontal and parietal lobes.
• 🔗 The anterior communicating artery connects the two anterior cerebral arteries.
• 🌐 The middle cerebral arteries supply most of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres.
• 🌀 The internal carotids give rise to the anterior choroidal arteries, which supply various structures.
• 🔄 The posterior communicating arteries connect the internal carotid arteries to the posterior cerebral arteries.
• 🌱 The vertebral arteries form the basilar artery after giving rise to the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries.
• 🌟 The basilar artery splits into two posterior cerebral arteries at the level of the midbrain.
• 🔄 The Circle of Willis is an interconnection of the anterior cerebral, internal carotid, and posterior cerebral arteries, allowing for continued blood flow if a major vessel is blocked.

Q & A

What percentage of the brain's blood supply comes from the internal carotid arteries?

The internal carotid arteries supply about 80% of the brain's blood.

Which arteries provide the remaining 20% of the brain's blood supply?

The vertebral arteries supply the remaining 20% of the brain's blood.

What happens to the internal carotid arteries after they ascend to the brain?

After ascending to the brain, the internal carotid arteries split into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries.

Which areas of the brain are supplied by the anterior cerebral arteries?

The anterior cerebral arteries supply the medial frontal and parietal lobes.

How are the anterior cerebral arteries connected?

The anterior cerebral arteries are connected by the anterior communicating artery.

What do the middle cerebral arteries supply?

The middle cerebral arteries supply most of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres.

What arteries arise from the internal carotid arteries before they split into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries?

Before splitting, the internal carotids give rise to the anterior choroidal arteries and the posterior communicating arteries.

What areas do the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries supply?

The posterior inferior cerebellar arteries supply the inferior surface of the cerebellum.

What happens when the two vertebral arteries come together?

The two vertebral arteries come together to form the basilar artery.

What is the Circle of Willis, and what is its function?

The Circle of Willis is a connection between the anterior cerebral, internal carotid, and posterior cerebral arteries of both sides of the brain. It allows blood flow to continue if a major vessel is blocked on one side of the brain.