What does the carotid artery supply?
Anterior part of the brain
The internal carotid arteries supply 80% of the blood to the brain.
The internal carotid arteries arise from which artery?
Common carotid artery
The common carotid artery bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries around the level of C3.
What percentage of blood does the internal carotid arteries supply to the brain?
80%
The remaining 20% is supplied by the posterior system.
List the contractile structures that the carotid artery passes through.
- Sternocleidomastoid
- Longus capitus
- Stylohyoid
- Omohyoid
- Digastric muscles
These muscles are involved in the pathway of the carotid artery.
Where do the internal carotid arteries enter the skull?
Carotid canal
They pass the anterior body of C1 before entering the skull.
What is the Circle of Willis?
A circulatory structure at the base of the brain
The internal carotid arteries continue intra-cranially to join the Circle of Willis.
What does the vertebral artery supply?
Posterior part of the brain
It is part of the vertebrobasilar arterial system.
The vertebral artery arises from which arteries?
Subclavian arteries
This artery supplies blood to the posterior part of the brain.
Through which foramina do the vertebral arteries pass?
Transverse foramina C6-C1
They pass closely to the facet joints during this pathway.
What structure do the vertebral arteries pass through to enter the cranial cavity?
Foramen magnum
This is where they join to become the basilar artery.
The basilar artery is formed by the joining of which arteries?
Vertebral arteries
The basilar artery supplies the brain as part of the vertebrobasilar arterial system.
What supports the clinical suspicion of vascular causes in Objective Assessment (Cervical Arterial Dysfunction)?
Reasoned historical and/or clinical examination findings
A positive assessment leads to a referral for further vascular investigations.
If clinical suspicion of vascular causes is YES, what should be done?
Refer for further vascular investigations
This indicates a need for more detailed assessment of vascular health.
What are the appropriate elements of the physical examination for cervical arterial dysfunction?
- Neurological examination (cranial & peripheral nerves)
- Co-ordination & gait consideration
- Blood pressure
- Auscultation
These elements help assess the patient’s neurological and vascular status.
What should be considered if clinical suspicion of vascular causes is NO?
Risk & benefit analysis
This analysis helps determine the next steps in patient management.
True or false: There are precautions or contraindications to physical examination in cervical arterial dysfunction.
FALSE
The text does not mention any specific precautions or contraindications.
