Understanding the normal cerebrovascular anatomy, as well as common and uncommon variations, is crucial for interpreting imaging studies, planning surgical and endovascular procedures, and anticipating potential complications. This chapter provides an overview of cerebrovascular anatomy, a fundamental area of knowledge for neurologists, neuroradiologists, and neurosurgeons involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. The cerebral vascular system is composed of the anterior (carotid) and posterior (vertebrobasilar) circulations, interconnected via the arterial circle of Willis. Advanced imaging modalities, including digital subtraction angiography (DSA), magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomography angiography, are essential tools for visualizing cerebral vasculature. Among them, DSA remains the gold standard due to its superior spatial and temporal resolution. The chapter details the course, segments, and key branches of the internal and external carotid arteries, vertebral and basilar arteries and their major branches. Special emphasis is placed on clinically significant features such as the carotid siphon, vascular territories, and common sites of atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation. Anatomical landmarks visible on angiography, segmental classifications (e.g., Bouthillier’s ICA segmentation), and collateral circulation routes are also discussed. The presence of anatomical variants, such as fetal-type PCA or vertebral artery dominance, is highlighted for their diagnostic and therapeutic implications. In addition, the anatomy of the cerebral venous system is described, a complex variable network responsible for draining the brain parenchyma into the dural sinuses and internal jugular veins. Its anatomical organization plays an important role in cerebral hemodynamics, stroke pathophysiology, and the interpretation of neuroimaging findings. By integrating anatomical features with clinical relevance, this chapter is a practical guide for neurovascular assessment.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Basic Anatomy of Cerebral Vessels

  • Igor L. Maldonado,
  • Etienne Dugast,
  • Christophe Destrieux

摘要

Understanding the normal cerebrovascular anatomy, as well as common and uncommon variations, is crucial for interpreting imaging studies, planning surgical and endovascular procedures, and anticipating potential complications. This chapter provides an overview of cerebrovascular anatomy, a fundamental area of knowledge for neurologists, neuroradiologists, and neurosurgeons involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. The cerebral vascular system is composed of the anterior (carotid) and posterior (vertebrobasilar) circulations, interconnected via the arterial circle of Willis. Advanced imaging modalities, including digital subtraction angiography (DSA), magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomography angiography, are essential tools for visualizing cerebral vasculature. Among them, DSA remains the gold standard due to its superior spatial and temporal resolution. The chapter details the course, segments, and key branches of the internal and external carotid arteries, vertebral and basilar arteries and their major branches. Special emphasis is placed on clinically significant features such as the carotid siphon, vascular territories, and common sites of atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation. Anatomical landmarks visible on angiography, segmental classifications (e.g., Bouthillier’s ICA segmentation), and collateral circulation routes are also discussed. The presence of anatomical variants, such as fetal-type PCA or vertebral artery dominance, is highlighted for their diagnostic and therapeutic implications. In addition, the anatomy of the cerebral venous system is described, a complex variable network responsible for draining the brain parenchyma into the dural sinuses and internal jugular veins. Its anatomical organization plays an important role in cerebral hemodynamics, stroke pathophysiology, and the interpretation of neuroimaging findings. By integrating anatomical features with clinical relevance, this chapter is a practical guide for neurovascular assessment.