14b above

Pretty much never visible on 2D-DSA. About 10-20% of time visible on high-res Cone Beam CT Angiography (CBCTA). Described by McConnell in his seminal, and still THE BEST, manuscript on pituitary gland arterial supply. See Superior Hypophyseal Artery (14a) and Inferior Hypophyseal Artery (14) pages for pituitary supply. The (Capsular) Artery (arteries) of McConnell pretty much NEVER supply the pituitary though 🙂 They are “osteodural” — supplying the dura of the sella tursica (bottom of it), and adjacent bone. Origin is most commonly from the medial aspect of the horizonal cavernous segment of the ICA. This artery or arteries is a distinct thing. Its not MHT (2) or ILT (3). Occasionally their territory might be supplied by an unusual branch from ILT— weird.

Below is a classic example

Without arrows

Another typical example — medial horizontal cavernous segment origin — posterior dura and clivus of sella supply (arrows). MHT = dashed arrows; ILT = arrowhead

Yet another example (arrows)

As mentioned above — highly unusual ILT branch, coursing underneath the ICA, and seemingly supplying the dura of the anterior sella. McConnell like?

Coronal MIP

McConnell supply of posterior pituitary

Classically, that’s what this artery does not do — except when it does. Below is an example (arrows). MHT region contributes to marginal tentorial and clival branches. There is also an ILT. The McConnell origin from medial inferior horizontal cavernous segment is classic — except for pituitary supply.

Stereos

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