Structure artérielle située à la base du cerveau.
Cercle de Willis et pathologies
The Willis Circle is the crossroads of cerebral blood flow, connecting the inner carotid arteries to the vertebral-basilar arteries. With this ring organization, the brain has added security: if an artery is blocked, blood flow can be redirected by another route.
An Essential Role for Brain Survival
The brain, an extremely sensitive organ, is permanently dependent on an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. The Willis Circle acts as a system of regulation and rescue, ensuring that the different brain regions continue to be fed even in the event of a vascular problem. This redundancy is essential to limit the consequences of certain pathologies, such as transient ischemic attacks or strokes.
Willis Circle and Pathology
When the Willis Circle exhibits anatomical variations or abnormalities, its protective function may be reduced. For example, an incomplete circle increases the risk of damage in the event of arterial occlusion. It is also involved in pathologies such as intracranial aneurysms, which often develop in its bifurcations. These fragilities explain why his study is central to neurology and neurosurgery.