Superficial vascular anatomy of the medial prefrontal cortex: an anatomical study

Superficial vascular anatomy of the medial prefrontal cortex, which is exposed after craniotomy for the anterior interhemispheric approach, has received little attention in the anatomy literature. This study focuses on the precise vascular anatomy of the medial part of the prefrontal cortex and provides more detailed information for surgery.

Five adult cadaveric heads were used in this study. After a bifrontal craniotomy, the dura was opened and the superficial vascular structures of the medial prefrontal cortex were exposed in 10 hemispheres. The CS was used as a landmark, and the location and the course of the medial cortical vessels were recorded. The variations were noted and photographed.

There are 4 major superficial veins and 3 arteries on the medial prefrontal cortex, which are important during the surgery. Anterior frontal vein, MFV, PFV, and frontopolar veins drain the superficial part of the medial prefrontal cortex to the SSS. The frontomarginal artery and cortical branches of the frontopolar and callosomarginal arteries supply this region. One great BV on each hemisphere poses risk during the opening of the dura of the prefrontal cortex. All of the veins drain to the SSS.

The surface of the medial prefrontal cortex has a rich and complex vascular network and represents the first obstacle for surgery. The upper part of the medial prefrontal cortex seems safer than the lower part; the CS is a reliable and crucial landmark in planning and performing surgery in this region.