What are the principal branches of the internal carotid artery (ICA)?

The principal branches of the internal carotid artery (ICA) include the posterior communicating artery (PCOM). This artery plays an essential role in the vascular supply of the brain by connecting the internal carotid artery system with the posterior cerebral artery system, thus contributing to the circle of Willis. The circle of Willis is crucial for collateral circulation within the brain, allowing for adequate blood flow even if one of the major arteries becomes occluded or narrowed.

Understanding the function and significance of the posterior communicating artery highlights its importance among the branches of the ICA. It is part of a complex network responsible for maintaining cerebral perfusion, particularly important in cases of vascular compromise.

While other arteries listed in the question are important in their specific systems, they do not represent the principal branches of the ICA. The anastomosis artery is not a standard or recognized branch of the ICA; rather, it might refer to connecting vessels that can exist in various vascular territories. The superficial temporal artery is a branch of the external carotid artery rather than the internal carotid artery, supplying structures in the scalp. The lingual artery also branches from the external carotid artery, providing blood to the tongue and floor of the mouth, further supporting that these options do not represent the primary branches