Study of Posterior Cerebral Artery in Human Cadaveric Brain.

S A Gunnal,M S Farooqui,R N Wabale

doi:10.1155/2015/681903

S A Gunnal, M S Farooqui + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/681903

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Abstract

Objective. Basilar artery (BA) terminates in right and left posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs). Each PCA supplies respective occipital lobe of the cerebrum. The present study is designed to know the morphology, morphometry, branching pattern, and symmetry of PCA. Methods. The study included 340 PCAs dissected from 170 human cadaveric brains. Results. Morphological variations of P1 segment included, aplasia (2.35%), hypoplasia (5.29%), duplication (2.35%), fenestration (1.17%), and common trunk shared with SCA (1.76%). Morphological variations of origin of P2 segment included direct origin of it from BA (1.17%) and ICA (2.35%). Unusually, two P2 segments, each arising separately from BA and ICA, were observed in 1.17%. Unilateral two P2 segments from CW were found in 0.58%. Morphological variations of course of P2 were duplication (0.58%), fenestration (0.58%), and aneurysm (1.76%). Unilateral P2 either adult or fetal was seen in 4.71%. The group II branching pattern was found to be most common. Asymmetry of P2 was 40%. Morphometry of P2 revealed mean length of 52 mm and mean diameter of 2.7 mm. Conclusion. The present study provides the complete anatomical description of PCA regarding morphology, morphometry, symmetry, and its branching pattern. Awareness of these variations is likely to be useful in cerebrovascular procedures.

Highlights

Basilar artery (BA) terminates in right and left posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) [1]
P1 segment of PCA is from the basilar bifurcation to the junction with the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) while P2 segment is from the junction with the PCoA to the termination of PCA
The junction of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) with PCA divides the course of PCA into two parts

Summary

Introduction

Basilar artery (BA) terminates in right and left posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) [1]. PCA runs laterally and parallel with the superior cerebellar artery and receives the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) in its course. The point of joining of PCoA to PCA divides PCA into two segments, proximal P1 and distal P2. P1 segment of PCA is from the basilar bifurcation to the junction with the PCoA while P2 segment is from the junction with the PCoA to the termination of PCA. Each segment gives off groups of central and cortical branches that supply distinct anatomic territories like brainstem, thalamus, and ventricles. Cortical branches from PCA are anterior temporal artery, posterior temporal artery, parahippocampal artery, medial occipitotemporal artery, lateral occipitotemporal artery, calcarine artery, and parietooccipital artery [2]

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Discussion

Conclusion