Cerebral circulation
Cerebral Circulation
Cerebral circulation refers to the movement of blood through the network of blood vessels supplying the brain. The rate, volume, and pressure of blood flow must be precisely regulated to meet the brain's metabolic demands.
Pronunciation
Cerebral Circulation: /səˈriːbrəl ˌsɜːr.kjəˈleɪ.ʃən/
Etymology
The term "cerebral" is derived from the Latin word "cerebrum" which means brain, and "circulation" comes from the Latin "circulatio", meaning going around.
Overview
The arteries deliver oxygenated blood, glucose and other nutrients to the brain, and the veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, removing carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other metabolic products. Since the brain is very sensitive to decreases in blood flow, a disruption in cerebral circulation can lead to a stroke, causing brain damage and death.
Anatomy of Cerebral Circulation
The brain's circulation system is composed of two main parts: the anterior circulation, which is supplied by the internal carotid arteries, and the posterior circulation, which is supplied by the vertebral arteries. These two systems are interconnected by a circular anastomotic system known as the Circle of Willis.
Regulation of Cerebral Circulation
The brain has a unique auto-regulatory mechanism that maintains a constant blood flow despite changes in cerebral perfusion pressure. This is achieved through changes in the diameter of cerebral blood vessels, a process known as vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
Related Terms
- Stroke: A condition that occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off.
- Ischemia: A condition characterized by inadequate blood supply to the brain.
- Hemorrhage: A condition characterized by excessive bleeding in the brain.
- Circle of Willis: A circular anastomotic system at the base of the brain.
- Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of blood vessels.
- Vasodilation: The widening of blood vessels.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cerebral circulation
- Wikipedia's article - Cerebral circulation
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