Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The carotid artery, responsible for blood flow to the brain, and the middle cerebral artery (MCA), which supplies the cerebrum, are both susceptible to atherosclerosis, a condition that impairs blood flow and can lead to cognitive decline and ischemic strokes. This study investigates whether blood flow and vasodilation responses in the MCA during a hypercapnic challenge are comparable to those in the common carotid artery, which supplies the entire brain. This project aims to address limitations in current assessment methods, such as transcranial and duplex Doppler ultrasonography, to ascertain whether these two arteries exhibit consistent vasodilation patterns under hypercapnic conditions. The findings suggest that carotid artery measurements alone are insufficient to infer detailed changes in MCA functions. Additional parameters or a different measurement approach is needed to gain a better understanding of cerebral perfusion in future studies.

Disciplines

Cardiovascular System | Systems and Integrative Physiology

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Faculty Mentor of Honors Project

Dr. Matthew Brothers

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