Circle of Willis
The circle of Willis (also called Willis' circle, loop of Willis, cerebral arterial circle, and Willis polygon) is a circulatory anastomosis that supplies blood to the brain and surrounding structures in reptiles, birds and mammals, including humans. It is named after Thomas Willis (1621–1675), an English physician.
| Circle of Willis | |
|---|---|
Diagram of the arterial circulation at the base of the brain (inferior view), the circle of Willis is drawn in the upper half. Blood flows up to the brain through the vertebral arteries and through the internal carotid arteries. | |
The arteries of the base of the brain. Basilar artery labeled below center. The temporal pole of the cerebrum and the cerebellar hemisphere have been removed on the right side. Inferior aspect (viewed from below). | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Circulus arteriosus cerebri Circulus Willisii |
| MeSH | D002941 |
| TA98 | A12.2.07.080 |
| TA2 | 4516 |
| FMA | 50454 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
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