Definition

Noun: * Posterior Cerebral Artery: A major artery of the brain that supplies oxygenated blood to the posterior (back) parts of the cerebrum, including the occipital lobe (responsible for vision) and parts of the temporal lobe. It is a branch of the basilar artery.

Usage

• The posterior cerebral artery is a critical vessel for visual processing.
• A blockage in the posterior cerebral artery can cause a stroke affecting vision.
• The neurologist examined the scan to check for any abnormalities in the posterior cerebral artery.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Significance: Occlusion (blockage) of the posterior cerebral artery typically results in a contralateral homonymous hemianopia (loss of vision in the left or right visual field of both eyes) and may involve memory deficits if the temporal lobe is affected.
• Anatomical Course: After arising from the basilar artery, the posterior cerebral artery curves around the cerebral peduncle and proceeds to the inferior surface of the cerebrum.

Variants and Related Words

• PCA (abbreviation): A common medical abbreviation for the posterior cerebral artery.
• Basilar Artery (noun): The artery from which the posterior cerebral artery arises.
• Circle of Willis (noun): The circulatory anastomosis at the base of the brain where the posterior cerebral artery connects with the posterior communicating arteries.

Synonyms

• There are no direct common synonyms for this specific anatomical term. It is precisely identified as the posterior cerebral artery.

Related Phrases

• Posterior circulation: Refers to the blood supply to the brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior cerebrum, which includes the territory of the posterior cerebral artery.
• PCA territory infarction: The medical term for a stroke occurring in the area supplied by the posterior cerebral artery.

Noun

1. arises from the basilar artery; divides into three branches