What is the Circle of Willis?

Answer by  lonelywolf (2117)

It's a series of arteries that surround or "circle" the brain, providing it with blood. They were named after the physician who discovered them. The circle contains the following arteries: Anterior cerebral artery, anterior communicating artery, internal carotid artery, posterior cerebral artery, and posterior communicating artery. The basilar artery and middle cerebral arteries are not part of the circle.

Answer by  Cecilia (2828)

The Circle of Willis is a series of connected arteries in the center of the brain, in a circle shap, whose main purpose is to supply the brain with blood.

Answer by  quisqualis (1756)

The Circle of Willis is circular arterial structure in the brain that is composed of four smaller arteries communicating between larger arteries. It is located behind and beneath the frontal lobes of the brain. Its structure as a circle helps to maintain adequate blood circulation in the brain because the circle helps the larger arteries share the circulatory burden.

Answer by  Rhekyn (86)

The confluence of the 3 arteries that irrigate the brain (the two internal carotids arteries and the basilar artery). They are connected to eachother by 1 anterior communicating artery and 2 posterior communicating arteries. They give the 6 arteries of the brain (3 for each side) : the anterior cerebral arteries, the middle cerebral arteries and the posterior cerebral arteries.