Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)

VESSEL PATHWAY

The posterior cerebral artery (PCA) arises from the basilar artery.

Aorta → Brachiocephalic (only on right) → Subclavian → Vertebral Artery → Basilar Artery → PCA

Anatomical location of the PCA (source)
Anatomical location of the PCA (source)
FUNCTION

The PCA will perfuse the brain territories outlined below. 

General regions supplied by PCA

Source
Source

Coronal section of regions supplied by PCA

Source
Source

Axial section of regions supplied by PCA

Source
Source
CAUSES OF INJURY

Stroke that can occur secondary to many different processes.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF INJURY

Homonymous hemianopia can occur as a result of infracting the occipital lobe.

OTHER INFO

 

Page updated: 06.20.2016