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Rolandiั artery

The Rolandic artery, also called the central artery, is a cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). It usually arises from the superior division of the MCA and courses along the central sulcus (Rolandic sulcus). The artery supplies the precentral gyrus (primary motor cortex) and the postcentral gyrus (primary somatosensory cortex), both essential for motor control and sensory processing.

It often has two main branches:

  • Pre-Rolandic branch (precentral artery): supplies the motor cortex anterior to the central sulcus.

  • Post-Rolandic branch (postcentral artery): supplies the somatosensory cortex posterior to the sulcus.

The Rolandic artery participates in cortical anastomoses with adjacent branches such as the precentral artery, anterior parietal artery, and posterior parietal artery, contributing to collateral circulation.

Synonyms

  • Central artery

  • Artery of the central sulcus

  • Rolandic branch of MCA

  • Precentral and postcentral arteries (when separated)

Function

  • Supplies blood to the primary motor cortex (precentral gyrus)

  • Supplies blood to the primary somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus)

  • Provides oxygenation for motor and sensory integration of the contralateral body

  • Contributes to cortical collateral circulation via anastomoses with adjacent MCA branches

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images (non-contrast):

  • Appears as a flow void (signal loss) along the central sulcus

  • Not well visualized without angiographic techniques

T2-weighted images:

  • Vessel lumen appears as a linear flow void, bordered by cortical gray matter

  • Hyperintensity in the surrounding cortex may indicate ischemia or gliosis

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography):

  • TOF or contrast-enhanced MRA clearly depicts the Rolandic artery origin, course along the central sulcus, and bifurcations

  • Appears as a bright, enhancing cortical artery

  • Useful for assessing stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or vascular malformations

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced MRI):

  • Vessel lumen shows intense enhancement

  • Enhancing cortical branches along the central sulcus confirm vascular territory involvement

  • Helps in detecting vascular pathology and perfusion abnormalities

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Artery is not normally visible

  • Acute thrombosis may appear as a hyperdense MCA or cortical artery sign near the central sulcus

CT Angiography (CTA):

  • Demonstrates the origin from the MCA, course along the central sulcus, and cortical supply to precentral and postcentral gyri

  • Contrast highlights the lumen for evaluation of stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or AVM

  • Essential for stroke assessment and preoperative planning

MRI images

Rolandiั artery (central) mri axial image -img-00000-00000