Sisäkaulavaltimot

Sisäkaulavaltimot refer to the internal carotid arteries, which are major blood vessels in the neck that supply oxygenated blood to the brain. They originate from the bifurcation of the common carotid arteries, typically at the level of the thyroid cartilage. Each internal carotid artery ascends through the neck without branching, passing through the carotid canal in the temporal bone before entering the cranial cavity.

Inside the skull, the internal carotid artery gives rise to several critical branches. These include the ophthalmic artery, which supplies the eye and surrounding structures, and the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The anterior cerebral arteries supply the medial surfaces of the frontal and parietal lobes, while the middle cerebral arteries supply the lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres. Together with the posterior circulation formed by the vertebral arteries, the internal carotid arteries form the Circle of Willis, an important anastomotic structure that helps to ensure continuous blood flow to the brain. Blockage or narrowing of the internal carotid arteries can lead to stroke due to insufficient blood supply to the brain.