Which artery is NOT a branch of the ICA?

The posterior cerebral artery is the correct choice because it is not a branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Instead, it arises from the basilar artery, which is a continuation of the vertebral arteries at the base of the brain. The internal carotid artery primarily supplies the anterior part of the brain, giving rise to several key branches, including the anterior cerebral artery, the middle cerebral artery, and the ophthalmic artery, all of which play critical roles in providing blood to various brain regions and the eye. Understanding the anatomy of cerebral arteries is crucial in fields like neurology and neurosurgery, as it helps in localizing conditions such as strokes or other cerebrovascular disorders.