The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is one of the major arteries that supply blood to the brain. It arises from the internal carotid artery and is a branch of the cerebral circulation. The MCA typically bifurcates (divides into two branches) into the superior division and the inferior division.

The bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery is a critical anatomical landmark in the brain. The superior division continues to supply blood to the superior parts of the cerebral hemisphere, while the inferior division provides blood to the inferior parts. These divisions further branch into smaller arteries that penetrate different regions of the brain.

Understanding the anatomy and branching pattern of cerebral arteries is crucial in the context of neurology and neurosurgery, as disruptions or blockages in these arteries can lead to serious neurological issues, such as strokes. Clinicians often use imaging techniques, such as angiography, to visualize the cerebral vasculature and identify any abnormalities or blockages in the middle cerebral artery or its branches.