Which artery is NOT considered an intracranial potential collateral artery?

The superficial temporal artery is not considered an intracranial potential collateral artery because it primarily supplies the scalp and does not play a significant role in providing collateral circulation within the cranial cavity. The intracranial potential collateral arteries are involved in maintaining cerebral blood flow in the case of vascular compromise or occlusion in other major arteries.

The ophthalmic artery is a branch of the internal carotid artery and provides collateral blood flow between the internal and external carotid systems, especially through the anastomoses with branches of the external carotid. The anterior cerebral artery and the middle cerebral artery are both critical components of the circle of Willis, providing collateral routes for blood flow within the brain itself. Therefore, understanding the distinct roles of these arteries is key in vascular assessment and intervention.