ICA Bonsai

This dry bonsai tree belonged to my late grandmother. From this angle, it reminds me of a lateral view of an internal carotid angiogram. The "syphon" is seen bending multiple times on its ascent. An ophthalmic branch leaves the clinoid segment anteriorly, an anterior choroidal branch stems posteriorly, and a distal "T" gives rise to the anterior and middle cerebral branches, with its multiple collaterals. Much like arteries bend around the growth of different organs, tree branches twist and turn due to external elements. Our lives also take interesting turns when we find the right pressures (Figure).