Arteria cerebri posterior is a term used to describe a blood vessel that supplies blood to the posterior parts of the brain. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is a system for representing the sounds of language. The correct pronunciation of arteria cerebri posterior is /ɑrˈtɛriə səˈribraɪ poʊˈstɪriər/. The word is spelled with the Latin term "arteria" meaning artery, "cerebri" meaning brain, and "posterior" meaning situated at the back. Together they describe the specific blood vessel that supplies blood to the back of the brain.
The arteria cerebri posterior refers to one of the major blood vessels in the brain that supplies blood to the posterior or back part of the cerebral hemisphere. It is also known as the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), which is a key component of the circle of Willis, a circulatory system in the brain.
The arteria cerebri posterior arises from the basilar artery, which is formed by the fusion of the two vertebral arteries. It courses along the ventral surface of the midbrain, through the interpeduncular fossa, and then divides into two main branches — the calcarine artery and the posterior temporal artery. These branches are responsible for supplying blood to specific regions of the brain.
The arteria cerebri posterior is essential for the proper functioning of various brain structures and plays a crucial role in maintaining cerebral blood flow. It helps supply oxygenated blood and important nutrients to areas associated with vision, including the occipital lobe and parts of the temporal and parietal lobes. Additionally, it participates in the supply of blood to the midbrain, diencephalon, thalamus, and choroid plexus.
Any disruption or blockage within the arteria cerebri posterior may result in severe neurological consequences such as ischemic stroke, leading to vision problems, sensory deficits, motor impairments, or cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, the integrity of this blood vessel is of utmost importance for normal brain function.
Posterior cerebral, formed by the bifurcation of the basilaris; distribution, central and cortical portion of brain; anastomosis, enters into formation of circle of Willis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.