MCA

Medical abbreviation · Anatomy

MCA
Stands forMiddle cerebral artery
CategoriesMedical

MCA stands for Middle cerebral artery, an anatomy abbreviation.

Largest terminal branch of the internal carotid artery, supplying the lateral surface of each cerebral hemisphere, including motor and sensory areas for the face and arm and, on the dominant side, language centers. It is the vessel most often affected in ischemic stroke.

Example: Right MCA syndrome: left face and arm weakness, left neglect and gaze deviation to the right.

Usage notes

Proximal (M1) occlusions are prime targets for mechanical thrombectomy. A "hyperdense MCA sign" on non-contrast CT indicates clot in the artery. The vessel is described in segments M1 through M4, and MCA aneurysms typically arise at its main bifurcation.

More anatomy abbreviations

  • LCL – Lateral collateral ligament
  • LE – Lower extremity
  • LLQ – Left lower quadrant
  • LN – Lymph node
  • LUQ – Left upper quadrant
  • MAL – Midaxillary line
  • MCL – Medial collateral ligament
  • MCP – Metacarpophalangeal (joint)
  • MSK – Musculoskeletal
  • MTP – Metatarsophalangeal (joint)
  • NMJ – Neuromuscular junction
  • PCA – Posterior cerebral artery

See all 70 anatomy abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.