Headache Anatomy

To better understand a headache, it helps to understand the anatomy of the head and brain.

The brain is well protected by:

• The scalp
• The skull
• The dura
• A tough 3-layer sheath that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
• Layers include the dura mater (strongest layer), arachnoid mater (middle layer), and pia mater (closest to the brain)

The brain is a complicated structure containing many parts. These include:

• The cerebrum:
• Made up of two cerebral hemispheres that are connected in the middle
• It is the largest part of the brain
• Each area of the cerebrum performs an important function, such as language or movement
• Higher thought (cognition) comes from the frontal cortex (front portion of the cerebrum)
• Outside of the cerebrum are blood vessels
• There are fluid-filled cavities and channels inside the brain
• The cerebellum:
• Located in the lower, back part of the skull
• Controls movement and coordination
• The brainstem and pituitary gland:
• Responsible for involuntary functions such as breathing, body temperature, and blood pressure regulation
• Pituitary gland is the "master gland" that controls other endocrine glands in the body, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands
• Pineal gland
• The cranial nerves:
• Twelve large nerves exit the bottom of the brain to supply function to the senses such as hearing, vision, and taste
• The cerebral blood vessels:
• A complicated system that supplies oxygenated blood and nutrients to the brain

The blood supply to the brain is divided into two main parts:

• Anterior cerebral circulation:
• The front of the brain is supplied by the paired carotid arteries in the neck.
• Posterior cerebral circulation:
• The back portion of the brain is supplied by the paired vertebral arteries in the spine.

Anatomy examples:

• Carotid artery branches shown on arteriogram
• Cerebral arteries viewed in cross-section through middle of brain
• Cerebral arteries viewed from bottom of brain
• Cerebral arteries on enhanced CT scan
• Cerebral arteries on arteriogram

Last Updated: Dec 14, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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