The middle cerebral artery supplies most of the lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere , especially the lateral frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, plus important deep structures like the basal ganglia and internal capsule.

Quick Scoop

  • It is the largest branch of the internal carotid and runs in the lateral (Sylvian) sulcus to reach the brain surface.
  • Cortical branches supply the lateral parts of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, including primary motor and primary somatosensory cortex for face, arm and trunk.
  • It also gives deep (lenticulostriate) branches to the basal ganglia and internal capsule , which carry major motor and sensory pathways.

In exam-style wording

  • “The middle cerebral artery supplies the lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere, except:
    • the superior part of the frontal and parietal lobes (by anterior cerebral artery),
    • and the inferior surface of the temporal lobe and occipital lobe (by posterior cerebral artery).”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.

TL;DR: Think “MCA = lateral convexity of the hemisphere + key deep nuclei/internal capsule.”