The Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) is a major artery that supplies blood to the brainstem and the lateral surface of the brain. It is a branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The MCA is the largest of the three cerebral arteries and is an important conduit of the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Its anatomy and pathophysiology are of great significance to neurology and neurosurgery.
The MCA originates from the ICA, immediately after the bifurcation of the ICA into the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries. The MCA then courses through the lateral fissure and divides into two major branches: the superior and inferior divisions. The superior division supplies blood to the superior surface of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, while the inferior division supplies blood to the inferior surface of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. The MCA also supplies blood to the basal ganglia, internal capsule, thalamus, and parts of the midbrain.
MCA occlusion is an important cause of stroke and can lead to a range of neurological deficits, including hemiparesis, aphasia, vision problems, and cognitive impairment. It can also cause a range of other symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and vertigo. Treatment for MCA occlusion should be prompt and tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Commonly used treatments include thrombolytic therapy, mechanical thrombectomy, and antithrombotic medication.
MCA is a complex anatomical structure with an important role in the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Its importance in stroke and other neurological deficits makes its anatomy and pathophysiology of great importance to neurology and neurosurgery.
References
Al-Holou, W. N., & Malisch, T. W. (2018). Middle cerebral artery. Anatomy & Physiology, 9(2), 1459–1469. https://doi.org/10.1002/apj.2412
Chandra, S., Sridhar, S., & Sarma, S. (2020). Middle Cerebral Artery: Anatomy, Function, and Clinical Significance. Neurosurgery Quarterly, 30(1), 74–82. https://doi.org/10.1097/NQ.0000000000000152
Ge, L., & Zhang, C. (2015). Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion: Treatment and Outcome. Chinese Medical Journal, 128(3), 454–459. https://doi.org/10.4103/0366-6999.151407