The story of the internal carotid artery of mammals: from Galen to sudden infant death syndrome

Abstract

Some anatomical aspects of the blood supply of the brains of mammals have been examined to illuminate their functions. A fundamental explanation of sudden infant death syndrome (cot death) is suggested following experimental¹ observations. Speculative contributions have been made to comparative physiological ideas concerning mammals of pronograde and erect habitus, their vascular pressure adaptations and temperature management. Neuro- and interventional radiologists may make some significant future applications of these ideas. Of immediate practical interest is the possibility of influencing the well-being of human embryos' neural tube development in utero by a comprehensive study of their temperature environment.