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Major Blood Vessels
Normal function of the brain's control centers
is dependent upon adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients
through a dense network of blood vessels.
Blood is supplied to the brain, face, and scalp via two major
sets of vessels: the right and left common carotid arteries and the right and
left vertebral arteries.
The common carotid arteries have two divisions. The external
carotid arteries supply the face and scalp with blood. The internal carotid
arteries supply blood to the anterior three-fifths of cerebrum, except for
parts of the temporal and occipital lobes. The vertebrobasilar arteries supply
the posterior two-fifths of the cerebrum, part of the cerebellum, and the brain
stem.
Any decrease in the flow of blood through one of the internal
carotid arteries brings about some impairment in the function of the frontal
lobes. This impairment may result in numbness, weakness, or paralysis on the
side of the body opposite to the obstruction of the artery.
Occlusion of one of the vertebral arteries can
cause many serious consequences, ranging from blindness to
paralysis.
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Stroke Education
