The Posterior Cerebral Arteries (PCAs) are a pair of vessels that supply blood to the posterior part of the brain. The PCAs are branches of the basilar artery, which is formed by the fusion of the two vertebral arteries at the base of the brain.
These arteries emerge from the posterior part of the basilar artery, just above the junction of the pons and the uppermost part of the basilar artery. The PCAs then travel laterally along the crura of the cerebral peduncles, curving around the midbrain and reaching the posterior region of the brain.
The PCAs supply blood to important structures involved in visual processing, memory, and other cognitive functions. Branches from the PCAs irrigate the occipital lobe, which is primarily responsible for visual perception and interpretation. Additionally, smaller branches provide blood to the inferior and medial temporal lobes, the midbrain, and parts of the thalamus and hypothalamus.
Damage or blockage of the Posterior Cerebral Arteries can lead to a condition known as posterior cerebral artery syndrome (PCAS). Symptoms of PCAS include vision impairment, memory deficits, language difficulties, sensory changes, and motor weaknesses. Depending on the location and severity of the blockage, the specific symptoms may vary.
As part of the intricate network of blood vessels supplying the brain, the Posterior Cerebral Arteries play a vital role in maintaining the brain's overall function, particularly its visual and cognitive processes.
