Cerebral Circulation Demystified

Basic anatomic and physiologic concepts related to cerebral circulation are summarized. The arterial blood supply is traced from its origins to the major divisions of anterior and posterior circulation. The circle of Willis, the major arterial vessels and territories, and the peculiarities of the cerebral venous circulation are discussed. Finally, concepts of cerebral circulations are applied to clinical practice to assist the nurse in accurately assessing, monitoring, and predicting human responses to alterations in cerebral blood supply