How does blood flow throughout the body?

Approximately 20% of the blood flowing from the heart is pumped to the brain. The brain needs constant blood flow in order to keep up with the heavy metabolic demands of the neurons. The biggest part of the brain is the cerebrum which makes up 85% of the brain’s weight.

Although the brain is only about 2% of the total body weight in humans, it receives 15-20% of the body’s blood supply.

The right and left vertebral arteries come together at the base of the brain to form a single basilar artery.

In the neck, the jugular veins parallel the upward course of the carotid arteries and drain blood into the superior vena cava. The deep venous drainage is primarily composed of traditional veins inside the deep structures of the brain, which join behind the midbrain to form the vein of Galen.

Symptoms of poor blood flow to the brain

• slurred speech.
• sudden weakness in the limbs.
• difficulty swallowing.
• loss of balance or feeling unbalanced.
• partial or complete loss of vision or double vision.
• dizziness or a spinning sensation.
• numbness or a tingling feeling.
• confusion.