The cerebral arterial circle, also known as the circle of Willis, is a complex network of blood vessels located at the base of the brain which helps facilitate blood flow to the cerebral hemispheres. It is named after the English physician Thomas Willis, who first described its existence in the mid-17th century.
This arterial circle is formed by the joining of various major blood vessels, including the two internal carotid arteries and the two vertebral arteries. The internal carotid arteries are branches of the common carotid arteries and supply blood to the anterior part of the brain, while the vertebral arteries supply blood to the posterior part.
The cerebral arterial circle is responsible for maintaining a continuous supply of blood to the brain, ensuring that it receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients to function optimally. This network also serves as a route for collateral circulation, which means that if one blood vessel becomes blocked or damaged, blood can still find alternative pathways to reach the brain.
The main arteries that form the circle include the anterior cerebral arteries, the middle cerebral arteries, the posterior cerebral arteries, and the posterior communicating arteries. These arteries supply blood to different parts of the brain and are interconnected to allow for efficient blood distribution.
Understanding the structure and functionality of the cerebral arterial circle is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of various cerebrovascular diseases, such as strokes or aneurysms.
