Blood Supply to the Brain

Question 1

What percentage of cardiac output does the brain utilize?

Answer 1

20%.

Question 2

Describe the pathway of blood to the brain.

Answer 2

Oxygenated blood travels from the heart to the neck through the internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries; the vertebral arteries fuse together to form the Basilar artery.

Question 3

Describe the role of the Circle of Willis?

Answer 3

The Circle of Willis allows the oxygenated blood to travel through three arteries (anterior and posterior cerebral arteries). This protects the brain by enabling the flow of oxygenated blood through to the brain.

Question 4

What is the role of venous drainage?

Answer 4

Collects Co2, metabolic waste, and nutrients and delivers this to the lungs where it is transported back to the heart.

Question 5

What structures are involved in venous drainage?

Answer 5

Cerebral arteries and jugular veins.

Question 6

How is the brain protected? List FOUR structures.

Answer 6

The skull, cerebrospinal fluid, the meninges, and the blood-brain barrier.

Question 7

How does the Circle of Willis protect the brain?

Answer 7

Allows the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain.