Which of the following has a direct connection to the cerebral arterial circle?

The posterior cerebral artery has a direct connection to the cerebral arterial circle, also known as the circle of Willis. This circular network of arteries at the base of the brain facilitates collateral blood flow between the different vascular territories, helping to ensure a consistent blood supply to the brain even if one vessel becomes narrowed or blocked.

The posterior cerebral artery arises from the basilar artery and feeds blood to the occipital lobes and the bottom parts of the temporal lobes. It is one of the key arteries that branches off from the circle of Willis.

The common carotid artery, while important in supplying blood to the head and neck, branches into the internal carotid and external carotid arteries, but it does not form part of the circle of Willis itself. The internal carotid artery does contribute to the circle by supplying blood to various other arteries within it, but it does not directly connect in the same manner as the posterior cerebral artery. The vertebral arteries combine to form the basilar artery and also play a role in supplying blood to the posterior circulation of the brain, but they do not have a direct connection to the circle.

Thus, the posterior cerebral artery is correctly identified as having a direct connection to the circle of Willis because it stems directly