The anterior temporal branch of the posterior cerebral artery is a small blood vessel that extends from the main posterior cerebral artery. The posterior cerebral artery and its corresponding branches are located in the brain. The anterior temporal branch, in conjunction with the posterior cerebral artery, directs blood flow from the heart to portions of the brain.
The blood vessel emerges from where the posterior communicating artery and basilar artery converge at the underside of the brain.
There are three main groups of arteries that extend from the posterior cerebral artery. The anterior temporal branch belongs to group of blood vessels known as the cortical branches. The anterior temporal artery extends to the cortical (outer) region of the brain known as the uncus, which helps process smell, and to the back portion of the temporal lobe. The temporal lobe’s main function is to process sound.
Obstructions in the blood vessel can cause a number of medical conditions including blindness, aphasia (difficulty speaking), and memory defects.