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The Anatomy of Circulus Arteriosus Cerebri (Circle of Willis): A Study in Turkish Population

Ayse Karatas1, Hakan Yilmaz, Gokmen Coban

  • 1Izmir Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Izmir, Turkey.

Turkish Neurosurgery
|January 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed the circle of Willis in Turkish adults, finding variations like hypoplasia and aplasia are common, particularly in the posterior circulation. Understanding these anatomical differences is crucial for neurological and cerebrovascular conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroanatomy
  • Vascular Anatomy
  • Human Anatomy

Background:

  • The circle of Willis is a critical arterial structure protecting the brain from ischemia.
  • Its anatomical variations can influence cerebrovascular disease and surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the structural characteristics and variations of the circle of Willis in the Turkish adult population.
  • To measure the diameters and lengths of arteries forming the circle of Willis in cadavers.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of the circle of Willis in 100 fresh adult cadavers.
  • Classification of structures as typical or atypical, noting the anterior communicating artery (AComP) diameter.
  • Measurement of all arteries forming the circle's length and diameters.

Main Results:

  • 91% of arteries forming the circle of Willis were anatomically observed.
  • Atypical variations, including hypoplasia (85% in AComP) and aplasia (5% in AComP), were noted in 9% of cases.
  • The posterior portion showed more variations, with hypoplasia being the most common.

Conclusions:

  • The structure of the circle of Willis is vital in neurosurgery and neurology, especially for occlusive cerebrovascular diseases.
  • Advances in imaging and surgical techniques underscore the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge of the circle of Willis.
Abstract

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