Cerebrovascularis

Cerebrovascularis refers to the cerebrovascular system, the network of arteries, veins, and microcirculation that supplies the brain and brainstem with blood. It encompasses the arterial supply, venous drainage, and the capillary beds that enable exchange of oxygen, glucose, and metabolites essential for neural function.

Anatomy of the system includes the anterior circulation, mainly from the internal carotid arteries giving rise to the middle and anterior cerebral arteries, and the posterior circulation from the vertebral arteries forming the basilar artery and posterior cerebral arteries. These vessels contribute to the Circle of Willis, an anastomotic ring at the base of the brain that provides collateral routes in case of arterial compromise. Venous drainage occurs through superficial and deep cerebral veins into dural sinuses, ultimately returning blood to the systemic circulation.

Physiology centers on maintaining constant cerebral perfusion despite fluctuations in systemic blood pressure. Autoregulation adjusts vascular tone to keep cerebral blood flow relatively constant within a wide range of mean arterial pressures. The brain’s high metabolic demand makes it particularly sensitive to ischemia; carbon dioxide levels, pH, and neural activity influence vasodilation and constriction across the cerebrovascular bed.

Clinical relevance includes a spectrum of disorders such as ischemic stroke from arterial occlusion or embolism, hemorrhagic stroke from vessel rupture, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Diagnosis relies on imaging modalities like CT and MRI, with angiography and Doppler studies clarifying vascular anatomy and pathology. Management focuses on restoring perfusion when appropriate, preventing recurrence, and controlling risk factors through medical or surgical interventions. In English-language texts, the term cerebrovascularis is often rendered as cerebrovascular system or cerebrovasculature.