Abstract

Background: Human brain gets its nutrition from carotido and vertebro-basilar system of vessels. MCA, being the larger terminal branch of ICA supplies the cortical areas of brain concerned with speech and language. It is the most commonly involved artery in cerebro-vascular accidents as in stroke which is characterised by sudden onset of focal neurological deficit. The anatomical study is of utmost important to neurovascular surgeons. Materials and methods: The present study was undertaken in 140 cadaveric human brain hemispheres of 70 formalin fixed brains from Department of Anatomy and Forensic medicine of Mysore medical college and ESIC MC and PGIMSR, Bangalore. Fixed brains were sagitally bisected into right and left halves by brain cutting knife. Meninges were cleared and MCA was identified which was the larger and direct branch of ICA. Measurements of ICA and MCA was taken using thread and measuring scale. LSAs arising from MI segment MCA were counted using hand lens. Any early branch if present was noted. Angle was noted between M1 and M2 segment. Presence of any anomalies were studied Results: The mean of length of M1 was found slightly more on the left side (2.09 cms) in comparison to right side (1.90 cms). The mean diameter of M1 segment of MCA was more on the left side (0.352 cms), in comparison to right side (0.317 cms). The mean diameter of left MCA (0.352 cms) and left ICA (0.359 cms) were of the same size. The mean diameter of right MCA (0.317 cms) and right ICA (0.323 cms) were almost of the same size. The number of LSAs were more on left side (5.9) in comparison to right side (5.67). Early branches were found to be more on right side (5) than left side (3). The angle was observed to be acute in all specimens. Conclusion: This study was undertaken due to its clinical significance to stroke. Observations made on MCA revealed greater length of MCA carrying greater proportion of blood flow to the left side – a feature which supports the concept of vascular asymmetry. The knowledge of early branch arising from proximal segment of MCA is helpful for neurovascular surgeons to make a fairer decision in planning the treatment for any neurovscular disorders. The authors felt the necessity of documentation of data inferred by our study as there are very few articles on MCA found published in Indian literature.

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