Final answer:
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to a part of the brain. The specific artery that is occluded can vary depending on the location of the clot. Commonly affected arteries include the middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, and carotid artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ischemic stroke occurs when an embolus (blood clot) breaks off from a plaque or forms in the heart because of arrhythmia and travels to the brain where it becomes lodged in an artery. This blocks blood flow to the part of the brain that is served by arteries downstream from the blockage. The artery that is occluded in an ischemic stroke can vary depending on the location of the clot. The middle cerebral artery is commonly affected, as it supplies blood to a large portion of the brain. Other arteries that can be occluded include the anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, and carotid artery.
An ischemic stroke occurs when there is an occlusion in an artery leading to the brain, typically due to a blood clot. The most frequently affected arteries are the middle and anterior cerebral arteries. The occlusion leads to a lack of blood flow and oxygen to brain tissues, resulting in cell death and potential permanent damage. Immediate treatment with clot-busting drugs, such as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), is crucial. If administered within hours of the stroke onset, these medications can dissolve the clot, restore blood flow, and prevent extensive brain damage.