Middle Cerebral Artery

Middle Cerebral Artery (pronunciation: mid-dl ser-e-bral ar-ter-ee) is one of the three major paired arteries that supply blood to the brain. The Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) is the largest branch of the Internal Carotid Artery and it supplies most of the outer convex brain.

Etymology

The term "Middle Cerebral Artery" is derived from its anatomical position in the brain. "Middle" refers to its location in the middle of the brain, "Cerebral" pertains to the brain, and "Artery" is a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

Anatomy

The Middle Cerebral Artery arises from the Internal Carotid Artery after it has entered the cranial cavity. It travels laterally in the Sylvian Fissure, a deep fissure in the brain between the Temporal Lobe and the Frontal Lobe. The MCA then branches out to supply blood to various parts of the brain including the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and parts of the Basal Ganglia and Internal Capsule.

Clinical Significance

Blockage or disruption of the Middle Cerebral Artery can lead to a Stroke, specifically a type of stroke called a Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke. This can result in a variety of symptoms depending on the specific region of the brain that is affected, including paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, loss of sensation, and language difficulties.

Related Terms

• Internal Carotid Artery
• Sylvian Fissure
• Temporal Lobe
• Frontal Lobe
• Basal Ganglia
• Internal Capsule
• Stroke

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