Which artery supplies blood to the anterior and middle cerebral arteries?

The internal carotid artery is responsible for supplying blood to both the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. As it ascends through the neck, it bifurcates into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries at the base of the brain. The anterior cerebral artery primarily supplies the medial portions of the frontal lobes and the superior medial parietal lobes, while the middle cerebral artery supplies the lateral aspects of the cerebral hemispheres including the lateral frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. This relationship is significant for understanding cerebral blood flow and the potential impacts of vascular pathologies that may affect these regions of the brain.

In contrast, the vertebral arteries primarily supply blood to the posterior circulation of the brain, including the brainstem and cerebellum. The subclavian artery gives rise to various branches, but its blood supply does not directly include the anterior or middle cerebral arteries. The aortic arch is the starting point for several major arteries, including the subclavian and common carotid arteries, but it does not directly supply the cerebral arteries. Hence, the internal carotid artery is correctly identified as the vessel supplying blood to both the anterior and middle cerebral arteries.