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Draft:Prefrontal artery

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Prefrontal artery
Details
SourceMiddle cerebral artery (superior trunk, M2 segment)
SuppliesPrefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, Broca’s area
Identifiers
LatinArteria praefrontalis
Anatomical terminology

The prefrontal artery is a cerebral artery branch arising from the superior terminal branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), specifically from its M2 (insular) segment. It courses anterosuperiorly over the insula and ascends along the inferior frontal gyrus toward the frontal pole of the brain. The artery supplies blood primarily to the prefrontal cortex, a region of the frontal lobe involved in higher cognitive functions, personality, decision-making, and speech production.[1][2]

The prefrontal artery is notable for its characteristic angiographic appearance, sometimes described as the "candelabra artery" due to its looping and branching pattern on the convexity of the frontal lobe. Its vascular territory includes critical areas such as Broca’s area, which is essential for speech production, and extensive parts of the prefrontal cortex responsible for executive functions and personality.[3][4]

Anatomy

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Origin and course

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The prefrontal artery originates from the superior trunk of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), specifically from the M2 segment, which runs over the insular cortex. From its origin, it travels anterosuperiorly along the lateral surface of the frontal lobe, ascending along the inferior frontal gyrus. It then loops and divides to supply the lateral convexity of the frontal pole.[5][6]

Vascular territory

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The artery supplies the anterior and lateral portions of the prefrontal cortex, including the inferior frontal gyrus and Broca’s area. These regions are involved in complex cognitive functions, speech production, and personality expression. The prefrontal cortex receives its blood supply mainly from branches of the MCA, with the prefrontal artery being a key contributor to the lateral and anterior aspects.[7][8]

Function

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The prefrontal artery supports brain functions by providing oxygenated blood to the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for:

  • Executive functions: planning, decision-making, working memory, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility.[9]
  • Personality and social behavior: regulating emotions, impulse control, social interactions, and personality expression.[10]
  • Speech production: via Broca’s area, critical for language articulation and processing.[11]
  • Motivation and goal-directed behavior: enabling the setting and pursuit of long-term objectives.[12]

Clinical significance

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Damage or occlusion of the prefrontal artery can lead to ischemia in its vascular territory, causing deficits in executive function, personality changes, speech impairments, and difficulties in decision-making. Such vascular events may manifest as part of middle cerebral artery strokes affecting the superior trunk and its branches.[13][14]

History and nomenclature

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The prefrontal artery has been described in anatomical and angiographic studies as a distinct branch of the middle cerebral artery’s superior trunk. Its characteristic branching pattern on angiography has earned it the nickname "candelabra artery" due to the resemblance of its looped branches to a candelabrum.[15]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Smith, J.A. (2021). "Neuroangiography patterns and anomalies of the middle cerebral artery: a systematic review". Surgical Neurology International. 12: 123. doi:10.4103/sni.sni_123_21 (inactive 15 May 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of May 2025 (link)
  2. ^ Ding, X. (2021). "A review of the anatomy of the middle cerebral artery for the era of mechanical thrombectomy". Neuroradiology. 63 (5): 683–696. doi:10.1007/s00234-021-02703-w (inactive 15 May 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of May 2025 (link)
  3. ^ Purves, Dale (2017). Neuroscience (6th ed.). Sinauer Associates. ISBN 9781605353807.
  4. ^ Purves, D. (2018). Neuroscience (6th ed.). Sinauer Associates. ISBN 978-1605353807.
  5. ^ Smith, J.A. (2021). "Neuroangiography patterns and anomalies of the middle cerebral artery: a systematic review". Surgical Neurology International. 12: 123. doi:10.4103/sni.sni_123_21 (inactive 15 May 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of May 2025 (link)
  6. ^ Ding, X. (2021). "A review of the anatomy of the middle cerebral artery for the era of mechanical thrombectomy". Neuroradiology. 63 (5): 683–696. doi:10.1007/s00234-021-02703-w (inactive 15 May 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of May 2025 (link)
  7. ^ Blumenfeld, H. (2010). Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases (2nd ed.). Sinauer Associates. ISBN 978-0-87893-613-7.
  8. ^ Standring, S. (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-7020-7705-0.
  9. ^ Fuster, J.M. (2001). "The Prefrontal Cortex—An Update: Time Is of the Essence". Neuron. 30 (2): 319–333. doi:10.1016/S0896-6273(01)00285-9. PMID 11394996.
  10. ^ Bechara, A. (2005). "Decision making, impulse control and loss of willpower to resist drugs: a neurocognitive perspective". Nature Neuroscience. 8 (11): 1458–1463. doi:10.1038/nn1584. PMID 16251988.
  11. ^ Hickok, G. (2016). The Neurobiology of Language. Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-407794-2.
  12. ^ Miller, E.K. (2001). "The prefrontal cortex and cognitive control". Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 1 (1): 59–65. doi:10.1038/35036228. PMID 11252769.
  13. ^ Caplan, Louis R. (2001). Stroke Syndromes (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521771429.
  14. ^ Rordorf, G. (1999). "Middle cerebral artery stroke: clinical and imaging features". Neurology. 53 (3): 586–592. doi:10.1212/WNL.53.3.586 (inactive 15 May 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of May 2025 (link)
  15. ^ Rhoton, A.L. (2012). "The branching pattern of the middle cerebral artery". Journal of Neurosurgery. 116 (5): 1024–1035. doi:10.3171/2012.1.JNS111918 (inactive 15 May 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of May 2025 (link)
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