Posterior communicating artery | |
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![]() Schematic representation of the arterial circle and arteries of the brain (inferior view). Blood flows up to the brain through the vertebral arteries and the internal carotid arteries. | |
![]() The brain and the arteries of the base of the brain, viewed from below, with the front of the brain at the top of the image. The temporal pole of the cerebrum and a portion of the cerebellar hemisphere have been removed on the right side. | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | arteria cerebri communicans posterior |
TA98 | A12.2.06.018 |
TA2 | 4521 |
FMA | 50084 |
Anatomical terminology |
In human anatomy, the left and right posterior communicating arteries are small[1]: 471 arteries at the base of the brain that form part of the circle of Willis.
Anteriorly, it unites with the internal carotid artery (ICA) (prior to the terminal bifurcation of the ICA into the anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery); posteriorly, it unites with the posterior cerebral artery.
With the anterior communicating artery, the posterior communicating arteries establish a system of collateral circulation in cerebral circulation.