This is where the carotid and basilar arteries join at the base of the brain to form a circle, and provides a different path in case blood flow is blocked.  

Ohio State University, Columbus

The vascular system is the complex web of blood vessels that work to supply all the parts of the brain with blood so the brain can keep functioning. 

There are a few major arteries to take note of: 
- carotid arteries
- anterior cerebral arteries
- middle cerebral arteries
- posterior cerebral arteries
- vertebral arteries
- basilar artery
- circle of Willis


Vascular system

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

These are two main arteries that supply blood to the brain and run up either side of the neck. They branch off internally to form other arteries. 

Carotid arteries

These two arteries are branches of the internal carotid arteries and supply blood  to the anterior and medial regions of the cerebral hemispheres. 

Anterior cerebral arteries

These two arteries branch off of the internal carotid arteries and supply the lateral areas of the cerebral hemispheres. 

Middle cerebral arteries

These two arteries are branches of the basilar artery and supply the posterior area of the brain and parts of the cerebellum and brainstem. 

Posterior cerebral arteries

These are two major arteries that run up along each side of the spinal column and enter the brain through the base of the skull. When they fuse together, they form the basilar artery. 

Vertebral arteries

This is the artery that is formed from the two vertebral arteries and supplies the posterior cerebral arteries. The basilar artery also has some branches that supply the hindbrain.

Basilar artery

Circle of Willis

This is the condition in which blood supply to the brain is blocked or if a blood vessel ruptures, thus causing damage to brain tissue.

There are two main kinds of stroke: 
- ischemic stroke
- hemorrhagic stroke


Learn Before

Related