Middle cerebral artery

Middle Cerebral Artery

The Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) is one of the three major paired arteries that supply blood to the brain. The MCA arises from the internal carotid artery and continues into the lateral sulcus where it then branches and projects to many parts of the lateral cerebral hemisphere, including the frontal lobe, the anterior part of the temporal lobe, and the parietal lobe.

Structure

The MCA originates from the internal carotid artery after it has entered the cranial cavity at the level of the optic chiasm. It has two main divisions: the superior division and the inferior division. The superior division supplies blood to the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe, while the inferior division supplies the temporal lobe and the occipital lobe.

Function

The MCA is the largest branch of the internal carotid artery. It provides blood to the lateral parts of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, as well as the insular cortex and the basal ganglia. It is the artery most commonly affected by cerebrovascular accident, also known as stroke.

Clinical significance

The MCA is commonly affected by stroke and MCA Syndrome can occur when there is a blockage of the MCA. Symptoms can include: hemiplegia, hemisensory loss, homonymous hemianopia, and possibly aphasia if the dominant hemisphere is involved.

See also

• Cerebral circulation
• Circle of Willis
• Stroke

References

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