artery extends from the sphenoidal segment of the MCA via the inferior surface of the operculum and supplies the polar and anterior lateral portions of the temporal lobe. The vessel can be identified in 52% of normal angiograms Anterior temporal: This artery typically arises from the proximal MCA trunk and extends in the similar fashion as the temporopolar artery and vascularizes the same regions. Middle temporal: This artery extends from the Sylvian fissure opposite to the inferior frontal gyrus and supplies superior and middle portions of the middle temporal lobe. It can be identified in 79% of angiograms. Posterior temporal: This artery extends out and away from the operculum and turns in a step-wise manner first inferiorly then posteriorly into the superior temporal sulcus then to the middle temporal sulcus. This vessel supplies posterior portion of the temporal lobe and is the origin of several perforating arteries that irrigate the insula. It is readily identifiable in most radiograms. Function Areas supplied by the middle cerebral artery include: The bulk of the lateral surface of the hemisphere; except for the superior inch of the frontal and parietal lobe (anterior cerebral artery), and the inferior part of the temporal lobe. Superior division supplies lateroinferior frontal lobe (location of Broca's area i.e. language expression) Inferior division supplies lateral temporal lobe (location of Wernicke's area i.e. language comprehension) Deep branches supply the basal ganglia as well as the internal capsule MCA occlusion site and resulting Aphasia Global – trunk of MCA Broca – anterior branch of MCA Wernicke – posterior branch of MCA Clinical significance Occlusion Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery results in Middle cerebral artery syndrome, potentially showing the following defects: Paralysis (-plegia) or weakness (-paresis) of the contralateral face and arm (faciobrachial) Sensory loss of the contralateral face and arm. Damage to the dominant hemisphere (usually the left hemisphere) results in aphasia (i.e. Broca's area or Wernicke's) Damage to the non-dominant hemisphere (usually the right hemisphere) results in contralateral neglect syndrome, inaccurate localization in the half field, impaired ability to judge distance (nondominant parietal lobe). Large MCA infarcts often have déviation conjuguée, a gaze preference towards the side of the lesion, especially during the acute period. Contralateral homonymous hemianopsia is often present. See also Leptomeningeal collateral circulation References External links Blood supply at neuropat.dote.hu Arteries of the head and neck