Health Library

Stroke - series

Part 1

Much of the brain is supplied blood by the internal carotid arteries.

Part 2

The internal carotid arteries branch at the base of the brain in an area called the circle of Willis.

Part 3

A blood clot (thrombus) may form in the body, break-off, and travel to the brain through a carotid artery and the circle of Willis.

Part 4

The blood clot may block the passage of blood through a brain artery, depriving nearby tissue of oxygen and nutrients. The result is a stroke.

Review Date: 4/25/2022  

Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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