Sisäkaulavaltimoista

Sisäkaulavaltimoista, or internal carotid arteries, are major blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the brain and other parts of the head. They originate from the bifurcation of the common carotid artery in the neck, typically at the level of the thyroid cartilage. The internal carotid arteries ascend upwards, passing through the carotid canal in the temporal bone. Within the skull, they branch to supply various regions of the brain, including the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe, as well as the eyes and orbits. The internal carotid arteries play a crucial role in maintaining adequate blood flow to the brain, and any significant compromise to their function can lead to serious neurological deficits. The circle of Willis, a ring of arteries at the base of the brain, connects the internal carotid arteries with the vertebral arteries, providing a collateral circulation system that can help compensate for reduced flow in one of the major vessels. Blockages or narrowing of the internal carotid arteries, often due to atherosclerosis, are a significant cause of ischemic stroke.