From the Research
The head of the caudate nucleus is primarily supplied by the lateral lenticulostriate arteries, which are branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), as well as the recurrent artery of Heubner, a branch of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) 1. This dual blood supply is significant because it provides some collateral protection to this important part of the basal ganglia. The caudate nucleus plays crucial roles in motor control, learning, memory, and emotional processing, so its blood supply is vital for proper brain function. Understanding this vascular anatomy is important in clinical contexts such as stroke evaluation, where occlusion of these vessels can lead to specific neurological deficits affecting movement and cognition.
Some key points to consider:
- The lateral lenticulostriate arteries supply the lateral half of the head of the caudate nucleus, as well as other structures such as the putamen and internal capsule 1.
- The recurrent artery of Heubner supplies the inferomedial part of the caudate head, as well as other structures such as the anteromedial part of putamen and the anterior limb of the internal capsule 1.
- The blood supply to the caudate nucleus is complex and involves multiple arteries, including the MCA, ACA, and anterior choroidal artery (AChA) 2.
- The awareness of the various anatomical and morphometric variations of the recurrent artery of Heubner is essential in planning neurosurgical procedures to avoid unexpected neurological complications 3.
In clinical practice, understanding the vascular anatomy of the caudate nucleus is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions such as stroke, where occlusion of these vessels can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the protection of these vessels and to promptly diagnose and treat any conditions that may compromise their function 1.