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Artery of central sulcus

The artery of the central sulcus is a critical branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) that supplies blood to the central region of the brain, specifically the precentral and postcentral gyri, which are key areas involved in motor and sensory function. This artery is often referred to as the artery of the central sulcus or Rolandic artery (after the sulcus of Rolando, an older term for the central sulcus). Given its distribution, it plays an essential role in maintaining the metabolic and functional integrity of primary motor and sensory cortices. Its significance is further underscored by its involvement in various cerebrovascular events, including strokes and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which can have profound clinical consequences.

Synonyms

  • Artery of central sulcus

  • Rolandic artery

  • Sulcal artery of the central sulcus

  • Central sulcal artery

Origin and Course

  • Origin:
    The artery of the central sulcus most commonly originates from the precentral (anterior) branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), typically from the superior division of the MCA. Occasionally, it may arise directly from the main trunk or from adjacent sulcal branches.

  • Course:
    After originating from the MCA, the artery courses superiorly and medially, traveling within the central sulcus (the prominent groove separating the frontal and parietal lobes). It penetrates deeply into the sulcus, often following its length, and provides perforating branches that supply both the precentral gyrus (primary motor cortex) and the postcentral gyrus (primary somatosensory cortex).

Function

  • Primary function:
    The artery of the central sulcus supplies oxygenated blood to critical cortical areas responsible for voluntary motor activity (precentral gyrus) and somatosensory processing (postcentral gyrus).

  • Clinical significance:
    Compromise of this artery (e.g., due to stroke or aneurysm) can result in contralateral motor and sensory deficits depending on the territory affected. Its role in vascular pathologies such as arteriovenous malformations also highlights its clinical importance.

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Artery seen as a flow void (black lumen) in interhemispheric fissure extending into central sulcus

  • Surrounded by cortical gray matter of intermediate signal

T2-weighted images:

  • Lumen remains a dark flow void

  • Infarcts in its territory (precentral/postcentral gyri) appear as bright hyperintense cortical-subcortical lesions

FLAIR:

  • Vessel itself not directly visible

  • Ischemic lesions in its cortical territory appear as hyperintense cortical ribboning or white matter changes

  • Chronic infarcts show gliotic hyperintensity

T1 Post-Gadolinium:

  • Artery enhances brightly and uniformly along its sulcal course

  • Abnormal focal enhancement may indicate vascular malformation, vasculitis, or neoplastic infiltration

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • Flow-related enhancement shows the artery as a bright vascular signal extending from the callosomarginal artery into the central sulcus

  • Identifies stenosis, occlusion, or anomalous origin

  • 3D TOF MRA delineates sulcal course and distal cortical branches

CTA (CT Angiography):

  • Artery opacifies as a bright high-attenuation vessel with contrast

  • Best appreciated on thin-slice axial and coronal images or 3D reconstructions

  • Detects stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or AVM feeders affecting central sulcus vascular supply

MRI images

Artery of central sulcus MRI 3T coronal image

CT images

Artery of central sulcus anatomy CT axial anatomy image -img-00001-00001_00001