The primary visual cortex is primarily supplied by which two major arteries?

The primary visual cortex is primarily supplied by which two major arteries?

• A. Posterior cerebral artery and Middle cerebral artery
• B. Anterior cerebral artery and Middle cerebral artery
• C. Middle cerebral artery and Anterior choroidal artery
• D. Internal carotid artery and Vertebral artery

Answer: (A)

The primary visual cortex sits along the calcarine fissure in the occipital lobe, and its main blood supply comes from the calcarine branches of the posterior cerebral artery. This PCA supply covers the medial and inferior surfaces where V1 resides. The middle cerebral artery also contributes to the region, especially to the lateral aspects of the occipital pole and the optic radiations as they pass through the temporal and parietal lobes, making it the secondary contributor. The anterior cerebral artery mainly vascularizes the medial frontal and parietal areas, not the primary visual cortex; the anterior choroidal artery can nourish deep structures and parts of the visual pathway but not the primary visual cortex itself; and the internal carotid and vertebral arteries are upstream feeders that give rise to PCA and MCA rather than providing the direct dual supply to V1.