Middle Cerebral Artery

1. Anatomy:

   – The MCA is a terminal branch of the internal carotid artery.

   – It supplies many deep brain structures, the majority of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres, and the temporal pole.

   – The MCA travels from the base of the brain through the lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure) before terminating on the lateral surface of the brain.

   – It is divided into four segments (M1-M4), which give rise to a total of 10 branches.

 

2. Branches and Supply:

Central branches:

     – Supply deep brain structures like the anterior commissure, internal capsule, caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus.

Cortical branches:

     Supply various cortical areas:

       – Frontal lobe: Lateral aspect of the orbital surface, opercular surfaces, and inferior and middle frontal gyri.

       – Parietal lobe: Superior and inferior parietal lobules.

       – Temporal lobe: Superior part of the lateral surface.

The MCA plays a crucial role in motor and sensory functions, language, and cognition.

 

3. Clinical Implications:

   – A stroke affecting the MCA can cause:

     – Weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg.

     – Facial droop on one side.

     – Other symptoms like vision changes, slurred speech, and confusion.

 

 

 

References:

(1) Middle cerebral artery: Anatomy, branches, supply | Kenhub. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/middle-cerebral-artery.

(2) MCA Stroke: Symptoms, Causes, Complications, and Recovery – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/mca-stroke.

(3) Anatomy of the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/middle-cerebral-artery-3146149.

(4) Cerebrovascular Accident: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/cerebrovascular-accident-7111533.

Verifiziert von Dr. Petya Stefanova

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