Intracranial Arteries Overview

Horizontal (M1) middle

cerebral artery segment

Supraclinoid internal carotid

artery

Orbitofrontal (lateral

frontobasal) artery

Anterior temporal artery (cut

across)

Cortical (M4) MCA branches

Internal carotid artery

Anterior cerebral artery (cut

off) with medial

lenticulostriate arteries

Medial lenticulostriate arteries

Insular (M2) MCA segments

Sylvian (lateral cerebral)

fissure

Anterior temporal artery

M1 (horizontal) MCA segment

MCA bifurcation (genu)

Lateral lenticulostriate

arteries

Opercular (M3) MCA segments

Top loops of M2 segments

delineate apex of sylvian

fissure

Cortical (M4) MCA branches

(Top) The MCA and its relationship to adjacent structures is depicted on these graphics. Submentovertex view with the left temporal

lobe sectioned through the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle is illustrated. The MCA supplies much of the lateral surface of the

brain and is the larger of the 2 terminal branches of the internal carotid artery. (Bottom) AP view shows the MCA and its relationship to

the adjacent brain. The MCA courses through the sylvian fissure, and the M1-M4 segments are well delineated. A few medial and

numerous lateral lenticulostriate arteries arise from the top of the horizontal (M1) MCA segment, course superiorly through the

anterior perforated substance, and supply the lateral basal ganglia + external capsule.

GRAPHICS

Trauma, and Stroke

Brain: Pathology-Based Diagnoses: Malformations,

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