Posterior Cerebral Arteries

Definition

The posterior cerebral arteries are a pair of blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the posterior regions of the brain, including the occipital lobe, temporal lobe, and parts of the midbrain and diencephalon. They are a crucial component of the cerebral circulation, ensuring adequate blood flow and nutrient delivery to these critical areas of the central nervous system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The posterior cerebral arteries originate from the terminal portion of the basilar artery, which is part of the vertebrobasilar system.
2. These arteries supply blood to the occipital lobe, which is responsible for visual processing, as well as parts of the temporal lobe, which is involved in memory, language, and sensory integration.
3. Occlusion or damage to the posterior cerebral arteries can lead to posterior circulation stroke, which can result in visual impairments, memory deficits, and other neurological symptoms.
4. The posterior cerebral arteries anastomose (connect) with the anterior cerebral arteries through the posterior communicating arteries, forming part of the Circle of Willis.
5. Adequate blood flow through the posterior cerebral arteries is crucial for maintaining the health and function of the brain's posterior regions, which play a vital role in various cognitive and sensory processes.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the posterior cerebral arteries in the overall cerebral circulation.
  • The posterior cerebral arteries are a crucial component of the cerebral circulation, as they supply oxygenated blood to the posterior regions of the brain, including the occipital lobe, temporal lobe, and parts of the midbrain and diencephalon. These areas are responsible for visual processing, memory, language, and other important cognitive and sensory functions. The posterior cerebral arteries are connected to the anterior cerebral arteries through the posterior communicating arteries, forming part of the Circle of Willis, which allows for the redistribution of blood flow and ensures a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
• Describe the potential consequences of a disruption in the blood flow through the posterior cerebral arteries.
  • Occlusion or damage to the posterior cerebral arteries can lead to posterior circulation stroke, which can result in a variety of neurological symptoms. These may include visual impairments, such as homonymous hemianopia (loss of half the visual field in both eyes), memory deficits, language difficulties, and other sensory and cognitive deficits. The specific symptoms will depend on the location and extent of the damage, as the posterior cerebral arteries supply blood to critical areas of the brain responsible for visual processing, memory, and other important functions. Prompt recognition and treatment of posterior circulation stroke is crucial to minimize the risk of permanent neurological damage.
• Analyze the relationship between the posterior cerebral arteries and the vertebrobasilar system, and explain how this relationship contributes to the overall regulation of cerebral blood flow.
  • The posterior cerebral arteries are part of the vertebrobasilar system, which is the network of arteries that supply blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and the posterior regions of the cerebrum. The posterior cerebral arteries originate from the terminal portion of the basilar artery, which is a key component of the vertebrobasilar system. This anatomical relationship allows for the redistribution of blood flow between the anterior and posterior circulation of the brain through the Circle of Willis, which connects the internal carotid and vertebral arteries. This interconnected system of arteries ensures a continuous and regulated supply of oxygenated blood to the various regions of the brain, allowing for the maintenance of proper brain function and the prevention of ischemic damage. The vertebrobasilar system, including the posterior cerebral arteries, plays a vital role in the overall cerebral blood flow regulation and the brain's ability to adapt to changing physiological demands.

Related terms

Circle of Willis:

The Circle of Willis is an arterial circle at the base of the brain that connects the internal carotid and vertebral arteries, allowing for the redistribution of blood flow and ensuring a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Vertebrobasilar System: The vertebrobasilar system is the network of arteries that supply blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and the posterior regions of the cerebrum, including the areas supplied by the posterior cerebral arteries.

Posterior Communicating Artery: The posterior communicating artery is a blood vessel that connects the internal carotid artery to the posterior cerebral artery, allowing for the redistribution of blood flow between the anterior and posterior circulation of the brain.