What do the middle cerebral arteries primarily supply blood to?

The middle cerebral arteries are primarily responsible for supplying blood to the most lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres. This region includes critical areas involved in motor and sensory functions, particularly those associated with the upper limbs and face, as well as language functions in the dominant hemisphere.

The middle cerebral artery is one of the major arteries deriving from the internal carotid artery and it courses laterally, delivering oxygenated blood to regions such as the lateral aspects of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. These areas are integral for higher-order neurological functions, including decision-making, voluntary movement, and processing sensory information from the limbs and facial structures.

In contrast, the medial surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres are primarily supplied by the anterior cerebral artery, while the brainstem and cerebellum receive blood flow from the vertebral and basilar arteries. The spinal cord is supplied by anterior and posterior spinal arteries, not the middle cerebral arteries. Understanding these vascular territories is critical for recognizing the clinical implications of stroke and other pathologies that impact different areas of the brain.