Vascularization

The brain is vascularized by two pairs of large arterial vessels: the internal carotid arteries, that ensure the anterior circulation, and the vertebral arteries, that ensure the posterior circulation.

The veins of the brain reach its external and internal surfaces before draining in the dural venous sinuses.

The spinal cord is supplied by an arterial network comprising longitudinal (vertebral) and transversal (segmental/metameric) vessels.

Objectives

  • Identify the main arteries and veins that supply the forebrain, brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord
  • Describe the trajectory of those blood vessels and locate the territories that they supply or drain