Step-by-step approach to the suprasellar region. The dura of the planum sphenoidale has been opened to expose the suprachiasmatic space, where the anterior communicating artery complex is located. The left superior hypophyseal artery (SHA) gives off an infundibular anastomotic branch and to the optic nerve; there is a secondary left SHA that arises more distally and supplies the infundibular region. The right SHA arises from the carotid cave and also gives off the infundibular anastomotic and branches to the optic nerve. Note the rich anastomotic network formed by both SHAs at the tuberoinfundibular area. (Image courtesy of JC Fernandez-Miranda)