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Protocol for Isolating the Mouse Circle of Willis
Published on: October 22, 2016
Variation in form of circle of Willis: some anatomical and embryological considerations
The Anatomical Record
|May 1, 1976
Insights
This study examined 62 Circle of Willis variations in diverse patients. Researchers detailed the arterial variations, their frequencies, and discussed potential developmental causes for these anatomical differences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroanatomy
- Vascular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The Circle of Willis is a critical arterial anastomosis at the base of the brain.
- Understanding its anatomical variations is essential for neurovascular research and clinical practice.
- Previous studies have documented variations, but comprehensive analysis of frequency and potential origins is ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically describe the diversity of anatomical variations within the Circle of Willis.
- To determine the frequency of different variations observed in a human cohort.
- To explore potential ontogenic (developmental) factors contributing to these arterial variations.
Main Methods:
- Post-mortem examination of 62 human Circle of Willis specimens.
- Detailed anatomical description and classification of arterial variations.
- Statistical analysis to determine the frequency of each observed variation.
Main Results:
- A wide spectrum of anatomical variations in the arterial components of the Circle of Willis was identified.
- Specific variations were quantified, providing frequency data for each type.
- The study documented significant diversity in the formation of this key cerebral arterial network.
Conclusions:
- The Circle of Willis exhibits substantial anatomical variability in the human population.
- The frequency data provides a baseline for comparative studies and clinical assessments.
- Ontogenic factors are likely significant contributors to the observed variations in Circle of Willis anatomy.
Abstract:
This work is based on a study of 62 circles of Willis (circulus arteriosus cerebri) from patients dead from diverse causes. We have described the wide diversity of variations found to be present in the arterial vessels that form the circle, we presented the frequency of the different variations, and finally we discuss the possible ontogenic cause of these variations.
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