The posterior communicating artery (PCOM) connects the vascular territory of the Arteria carotis internaArteria vertebralis
Anatomy
Variants
A common anatomical variant is a fetal PCOM
Course
The posterior communicating artery arises between the origin of the Arteria ophthalmicaArteria carotis internaTuber cinereum and above the Sella turcica. The posterior communicating artery courses slightly superior and medial to the Nervus oculomotoriusArteria cerebri posterior
Branches of the PCOM
On average, the posterior communicating artery gives rise to 8 small perforating arteries, which originate at regular intervals along the entire course of the artery[^1]. The anterior group of perforators supplies the Hypothalamus, ventral Thalamus, posterior portion of the Internal capsule, and anterior third of the optic tract. The posterior group of perforators supplies the Subthalamic nucleus and the Posterior perforated substance[^1].
Imaging
Clinical relevance
Occlusion of the perforators that supply the Subthalamic nucleus leads to contralateral Hemiballismus[^1].