W. Mess
University Hospital – Maastricht, Netherlands


This tutorial will cover the basic knowledge of the arterial blood supply of the brain. The extracranial anterior and posterior system, i.e. the carotid and the vertebral arteries will be discussed as well as the intracranial arteries. Special attention will be paid to the concept of endarteries versus collateral blood supply. The latter comprises of course the circle of Willis. Also, there will be a short reflection on the anatomical properties of the vessel wall, which are the prerequisite for their functional behaviour.

So, the participant will be able to learn the essential facts of the arteries that take care of the blood supply of the brain. The tutorial will focus on practically relevant aspects which are needed for the understanding of the physiology of the arterial cerebral circulation and the examination of both the extra- and intracranial vessels by means of ultrasound.


Key words: blood vessels, cerebral circulation, circle of Willis.