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Artery of postcentral sulcus

The Artery of the Postcentral Sulcus, also known as the Anterior Parietal Artery, is a small but significant cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). It supplies blood to the anterior portion of the parietal lobe, particularly the postcentral gyrus, which is the primary somatosensory cortex. Due to its strategic vascular territory, this artery plays a crucial role in providing oxygenated blood to regions responsible for sensory perception. Understanding its anatomy and imaging characteristics is vital for radiologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons, especially in the context of cerebrovascular accidents or cortical mapping.

Synonyms

  • Anterior parietal artery

  • Artery of the postcentral sulcus

  • Sulcal artery of the postcentral sulcus

  • Latin: Arteria parietalis anterior

Origin and Course

  • Origin:
    The artery of the postcentral sulcus arises from the superior division of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), typically from the second (M2) segment as it courses along the insular surface before emerging onto the lateral surface of the brain.

  • Course:
    After branching from the MCA, the anterior parietal artery travels superiorly and posteriorly. It enters the postcentral sulcus, running parallel to the central sulcus and supplies the anterior part of the parietal lobe, particularly the postcentral gyrus. It often anastomoses with adjacent cortical arteries, such as the posterior parietal artery and precentral (rolandic) artery branches.

Function

The main function of the artery of the postcentral sulcus is to supply blood to the primary somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus). This region is vital for processing tactile, proprioceptive, and pain information from the contralateral side of the body. Ischemia or infarction in this vascular territory can result in sensory deficits, including loss of fine touch, vibration, and proprioceptive discrimination.

MRI Appearance

On MRI, the artery itself is typically not visualized directly unless high-resolution MR angiography (MRA) or dedicated vascular sequences are used.

  • Normal MRI: The parietal cortex supplied by this artery appears isointense on standard sequences.

  • MRA: The anterior parietal artery may be seen as a fine cortical branch emerging from the superior division of the MCA.

  • Pathology: Acute infarction in its territory appears as an area of restricted diffusion on DWI, corresponding to the postcentral gyrus and anterior parietal cortex. Chronic infarcts may show encephalomalacia and cortical thinning in this region.

CT Appearance

On CT, the artery itself is rarely visualized except on high-resolution CTA (CT angiography):

  • Normal CT: The cortex appears normal unless there is pathology.

  • CTA: The anterior parietal artery may be seen as a small cortical vessel branching from the superior division of the MCA.

  • Pathology: Infarction in the anterior parietal territory may show as cortical hypoattenuation and loss of gray-white differentiation in the early phase, and focal encephalomalacia in the chronic stage.

MRI anatomy

Artery of postcentral sulcus (anterior parietal artery) anatomy