What area does the middle cerebral artery primarily supply in the cerebral cortex?

The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the lateral aspects of the cerebral cortex, which includes regions that are crucial for motor and sensory functions. Notably, the MCA supplies areas related to the hand and face, which are represented in the primary motor and sensory cortices of the brain. These functions are also closely associated with the auditory processing areas in the superior temporal gyrus. The somatotopic organization of the motor cortex is such that the hand and face areas occupy a significant portion, reflecting their importance in daily activities and interactions. Thus, option B correctly identifies the primary territories impacted by the MCA.

In contrast, the other options pertain to areas less associated with the middle cerebral artery. Vision and balance are primarily the domain of the posterior cerebral artery. The leg and foot motor control areas are supplied mainly by the anterior cerebral artery, while memory processing largely involves the medial temporal lobe structures, also supplied by branches of the posterior cerebral artery. This reinforces the importance of understanding the vascular supply to different brain regions in the context of neurophysiological monitoring during surgery.