anatomy
Last reviewed 08/2023
The middle cerebral artery is the largest branch of the internal carotid artery. It gives off deep branches to the anterior limb of the internal capsule and part of the basal nuclei. It then passes out laterally to the surface of the cerebral hemisphere at the insula of the lateral sulcus where it gives off cortical branches to temporal, frontal and parietal structures.
A rough approximation of the distribution may be obtained by placing a hand over the side of one's own head, with the fingers spread and pointing forwards.