BRAIN

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EFrom the left, with the arachnoid mater and blood vessels intact

1Rolandic artery (in central sulcus)

2 Superior anastomotic vein (Troland)

3 Superior cerebral veins

4Lateral fissure

5 Inferior anastomotic vein (Labbé)

6 Superior cerebellar artery

7Basilar artery

8Vertebral artery

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FFrom the left, with the arachnoid mater and blood vessels removed

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GMedian sagittal section. The left half, from the right, with the arachnoid mater and blood vessels intact

1 Callosomarginal artery

2 Pericallosal artery

3 Calcarine artery

4Posterior inferior

5 Anterior cerebellar artery

6 Orbital artery

7Basilar artery

8 Anterior inferior cerebellar artery

9Left vertebral artery

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H Median sagittal section. The left half, from the right, with the arachnoid mater and blood vessels removed

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BRAIN Selected images

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■ Notes

These edited 3D CT images neatly show the relationship of the brain to the skull and facial bones. The skin, subcutaneous tissues, scalp and meninges have been stripped away electronically in order to show the relations to best effect. The frontal perspective is self explanatory. The ‘axial’ image is in effect viewed from ‘above’. A few of the appropriate landmarks have been labelled.

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■ Orientation

■ Notes

3D CT angiogram showing the vessels forming the circle of Willis in relation to the fossae formed by the base of the skull. This particular type of image is viewed from ‘above’. Despite careful technique there is a little contamination with overlying vessels, which slightly confuses the image. Nevertheless the major vessels can be identified clearly and this image reveals how variable the circle of Willis can be. For example one of the two vertebral arteries is dominant as they come through the foramen magnum (6) to create the basilar artery (14). The right posterior communicating artery (13) is large and is the main contributor to the posterior cerebral artery (15) on this side. Note the close relation of the circle of Willis to the pituitary fossa (7) and posterior clinoid process (8). Note also how the internal carotid arteries (9) ascend on either side of the pituitary fossa. Aneurysms in this region can affect the pitituary, the optic chiasm and numerous cranial nerves.

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