McConnell’s capsular arteries

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McConnell’s capsular arteries (MCCA) are one of the three major branches of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA).

Gross anatomy

They arise from the medial wall of the cavernous ICA distal to both the meningohypophyseal trunk and the inferolateral trunk.

The McConnell’s capsular arteries are divided into anterior and inferior capsular arteries and contribute to the blood supply to the sellar region, in particular, to the sella dura mater and the anterior pituitary capsule .

Variant anatomy

The McConnell’s capsular arteries are the least constant of the three major branches of the cavernous segment of the ICA and were present in ~30% of autopsy specimens .