Middle cerebral artery

System Cardiovascular
SNOMED CT 181312002

Middle cerebral artery

Definition

The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is one of the three major paired arteries that supplies blood to the cerebrum. The MCA arises from the internal carotid and continues into the lateral sulcus where it then branches and projects to many parts of the lateral cerebral cortex. It also supplies blood to the anterior temporal lobes and the insular cortices. The left and right MCAs rise from trifurcations of the internal carotid arteries and thus are connected to the anterior cerebral arteries and the posterior communicating arteries, which connect to the posterior cerebral arteries. The MCAs are not considered a part of the Circle of Willis. [WP,unvetted].

Also known as Sylvian artery — per UBERON

The Middle cerebral artery is a part of the Cardiovascular.

Also identified as