Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Practice Test

The internal carotid artery is a major blood vessel that contributes to the vascular supply of the brain. It bifurcates into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries, which are essential for supplying blood to different regions of the cerebral hemispheres.

The anterior cerebral artery primarily supplies the medial surfaces of the frontal lobes and the superior medial parietal lobes, while the middle cerebral artery supplies the lateral aspects of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. This division plays a critical role in ensuring that various parts of the brain receive adequate blood flow, which is vital for normal brain function.

In contrast, the external carotid artery primarily supplies the face and neck, and does not contribute directly to the cerebral circulation. The vertebral artery and basilar artery are part of the posterior circulation of the brain, providing blood to the posterior regions and brainstem, but they do not give rise to the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Thus, the internal carotid artery is the correct answer for this question.