Injury to one of the following arteries results in extradural hematoma
**Core Concept**
An extradural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury characterized by the accumulation of blood outside the dura mater, a protective membrane surrounding the brain. This condition often results from the rupture of an arterial blood vessel due to head trauma.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The middle meningeal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery that runs between the dura mater and the inner table of the skull. It is the most commonly injured artery in cases of extradural hematoma, as it is superficial and vulnerable to laceration from skull fractures. When the middle meningeal artery is injured, it can lead to significant bleeding into the extradural space, resulting in increased intracranial pressure and potentially life-threatening complications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The anterior cerebral artery is not typically associated with extradural hematomas, as it is located deeper within the brain and is less likely to be injured by skull fractures.
**Option B:** The posterior cerebral artery is not directly related to extradural hematomas, as it is located in the posterior fossa and is not as superficial as the middle meningeal artery.
**Option C:** The middle cerebral artery is a larger artery that supplies blood to the lateral surface of the brain, but it is not typically associated with extradural hematomas.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The "lucid interval" is a characteristic feature of extradural hematomas, where patients may initially appear to be recovering from head trauma but then suddenly deteriorate due to increasing intracranial pressure.
**Correct Answer:** C. Middle meningeal artery