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CNS Vasculature - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 16:34, 5 March 2011
, 16:34, 5 March 2011no edit summary
==Circle of Willis==
Blood is supplied to the brain by the '''internal carotid artery''' in dogs and horses. In the other domestic species the main blood supply is from branches of the '''maxillary artery'''.
Blood is supplied to the brain by the ''internal carotid artery'' in dogs and horses whilst in other domestic species the main blood supply is from branches of the ''maxillary artery''. The Circle of Willis (also called the ''cerebral arterial circle'' or ''arterial circle of Willis'') is a circle of arteries that supply blood to the brain. The Circle of Willis is made up of the following arteries;
*Left and right inferior cerebral arteries
The '''circle of Willis''' (also called the cerebral arterial circle or arterial circle of Willis) is a circle of arteries that supply blood to the brain.
*Anterior communicating artery
*Left and right internal carotid arteries
*Left and right posterior cerebral arteries
*Left and right posterior communicating arteries
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''Note'': The basilar artery and middle cerebral arteries, though they supply the brain, are not considered part of the circle.
The basilar artery and middle cerebral arteries, though they supply the brain, are not considered part of the circle.
The arrangement of the Circle of Willis means that if one part of the circle becomes blocked or narrowed (stenosed) or one of the arteries supplying the circle is stenosed, blood flow from the other blood vessels can continue to provide a continuous supply of blood to the brain.
The arrangement of the Circle of Willis means that if one part of the circle becomes blocked or narrowed (stenosed) or one of the arteries supplying the circle is stenosed, blood flow from the other blood vessels can continue to provide a continuous supply of blood to the brain.