ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: The anterior cerebral artery is the smaller of the two terminal branches of the internal carotid. The cerebral arteries lie between their origins and their junctions with the corresponding communicating arteries. The haemodynamics of the circle of Willis is influenced by variations in the caliber of the segments of the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries and their communicating arteries. Arteries forming parts of circle of Willis frequently vary in size. Methods: In the present study the diameter of A1 segment of anterior cerebral artery, forming the anterior part of the circle of Willis, is measured in the brains of 50 embalmed cadavers. . The measurements of the diameters of the artery were taken using an electronic digital calliper with 300mm operating instructions (0.001mm accuracy). Results: The anterior cerebral artery at point ‘A ’has a diameter of 2.79mm and 2.39mm on left and right sides respectively and at point ‘B ’ it has a diameter of 2.73mm and 2.38mm on left and right sides respectively. Interpretation & conclusion: The findings suggest that the left anterior cerebral artery has a larger diameter than the right anterior cerebral artery. The information regarding size and co-relation of the considered arteries may be useful for better interpretation of angiographic images and for deeper understanding of cerebral pathology. A knowledge of the normal size of these vessels may also be of use to the surgeon in assessing the feasibility of shunt operations and in the choice of patients.