Circle of Willis

(arterial circle, circulus arteriosus)

The arterial circle, described by Thomas
Willis in 1664,
is an important polygonal anastomosis
between the four arteries that supply the
brain: the two vertebral and the two
internal carotid arteries.

It is formed by
the posterior cerebral,
posterior communicating,
internal carotid,
anterior cerebral
and anterior communicating arteries.
The circle forms an important means
of collateral circulation in the event of
obstruction of a major vessel.
Variations in the size of the vessels that
constitute the circulus are very
common.
Angiographic view
Carotid angiogram

Carotid siphon
Vertebral angiogram
Showing the origins of main arteries
circle of Willis in situ