hjärnartär

Hjärnartär refers to arteries that supply blood to the brain. These vital vessels are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients necessary for brain function. The primary arteries supplying the brain are the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries. The internal carotid arteries branch from the common carotid arteries in the neck and travel upwards, entering the skull to supply the anterior and middle parts of the brain. The vertebral arteries ascend through the neck within the cervical vertebrae and merge at the base of the brain to form the basilar artery.

These major arteries then branch into smaller vessels, forming an intricate network that ensures comprehensive blood flow to all areas of the brain. This network is known as the circle of Willis, a crucial arterial anastomosis that can provide collateral circulation if one of the main arteries is blocked or narrowed. However, the brain is highly sensitive to blood supply disruptions. Even brief interruptions can lead to significant neurological deficits or stroke, a condition where blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, is a common cause of narrowing or blockage in brain arteries, increasing the risk of stroke.