A system is presented for the classification of experimental models of cerebral ischemia by a mechanism of induction and distribution of the cerebral insult. Application of the proposed system to the scientific literature may help to resolve apparent conflicts in experimental findings and establish a frame of reference upon which to estimate the relevance of specific animal data to clinical phenomena. Experimental ischemic lesions and pathophysiological states must be considered the net product of variables in etiology and distribution of ischemia in the species chosen under the specific anesthesia selected.