
1 = Olfactory cistern; 2 = Callosal cistern; 3 = Chiasmatic cistern with I and II nerves;4 = Carotid cistern; 5 = Sylvian cistern; 6 = Crural cistern; 7 = Interpeduncular cisterns with III nerves; 8 = Ambient cisterns with IV nerves; 9 = Prepontine cistern with VI nerves; 10 = Cerebellopontine cistern on each side with...
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Subarachnoid cisterns | |
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Latin | cisterna subarachnoideum |
Anatomical terminology |
What is a cistern in the brain?
A cistern is an expansion of the subarachnoid space that enables additional areas of storage and cushioning of the cerebrospinal fluid. Cistern means “box” in Latin and structurall us characterized by an expansion of the subarachnoid space created by the separation of the archnoid and pia mater.
What is the difference between subarachnoid cistern and cerebrospinal fluid?
Cisterns, commonly known as subarachnoid cisterns, are enlarged pockets of cerebrospinal fluid located in the subarachnoid spaces in the brain (1). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) refers to the clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Aside from cisterns, the subarachnoid spaces contain CSF and major blood vessels (2).
What passes through the cisterns?
Cisterns may have vessels and/or cranial nerves passing through them. The named subarachnoid cisterns are (roughly from superior to inferior):
What are the different types of cisterns?
Cisterns 1 Cisterna magna. 2 Pontine cistern. 3 Chiasmatic cistern. 4 Interpeduncular cistern. 5 Quadrigeminal cistern. 6 ... (more items)

Where cisterns are found?
A cisternae is the flattened membrane bound tube-like structure found in both endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
What is the name of the largest cistern of the subarachnoid space of the brain?
cisterna magnaAlso known as the cisterna magna is the largest subarachnoid cistern. It is located between the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum. It receives CSF from the fourth ventricle through foramen of Magendie (median aperture).
Which cistern has a clinical importance?
The superior cistern (located dorsal to the midbrain) together with the subarachnoid space at the sides of the midbrain are referred to clinically as the cisterna ambiens. The superior cistern is important because it contains internal cerebral veins, which join caudally to form the great cerebral vein (of Galen).
Are cisterns ventricles?
Cisterns: The cisterns are not ventricles but rather outpouchings of the subarachnoid space. When evaluating a CT brain the following, certain cisterns have clinical relevance for potential herniation syndromes, layering of subarachnoid blood, and/or the significant structures that run through them.
What cistern means?
1 : an artificial reservoir (such as an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (such as rainwater) 2 : a large usually silver vessel formerly used (as in cooling wine) at the dining table. 3 : a fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism.
What is basal cisterns in brain?
The subarachnoid cisterns, or basal cisterns, are compartments within the subarachnoid space where the pia mater and arachnoid membrane are not in close approximation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) forms pools or cisterns (Latin: "box"). As they are interconnected, their patency is essential for CSF circulation.
Which cistern contains the pineal gland?
Introduction: The pineal region is situated in the posterior part of the incisural space. This region includes the pineal body inside the quadrigeminal arachnoidal cistern.
What is the function of cisterna magna?
The cisterna magna is located between the cerebellum and the dorsal surface of the medulla oblongata. Cerebrospinal fluid produced in the fourth ventricle drains into the cisterna magna via the lateral apertures and median aperture.
Where is the lumbar cistern?
lower lumbar spinal canalThe lumbar cistern refers to the subarachnoid space in the lower lumbar spinal canal. The cistern is an enlargement of the subarachnoid space in the dural sac, distal to the conus medullaris. It contains cerebrospinal fluid and the nerve roots of the cauda equina.
What are the 4 ventricles of brain?
There are four ventricles of the brain: the 2 lateral ventricles, third ventricle, and fourth ventricle. The ventricles are lined with a specialised membrane called the choroid plexus, which is made up of ependymal cells.
Does CT scan show CSF leak?
CT myelography. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and locating CSF leaks. It uses a CT scan and a contrast dye to locate CSF leaks anywhere in the skull base. It provides the most precise location of a CSF leak and helps to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Where is the superior cistern?
The superior cistern is a dilatation as a subarachnoid cistern of the subarachnoid space around the brain. It lies between the splenium of the corpus callosum (superiorly), the cerebellar vermis (inferiorly and posteriorly), and the tentorial margin. It lies medial to part of the medial occipital cortex.
Where is the Prepontine cistern?
ponsThe prepontine cistern, or simply pontine cistern, is an unpaired CSF-filled subarachnoid cistern located ventral to the pons and dorsal to the clivus. It is bounded by arachnoid membranes which separate it from surrounding cisterns.
What is in the lumbar cistern?
Lumbar cistern The space inside the arachnoid mater is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Below the conus medullaris, this space is enlarged. This enlargement is called the lumbar cistern and contains CSF, the filum terminale, and the cauda equina.
Where is the superior cistern?
The superior cistern is a dilatation as a subarachnoid cistern of the subarachnoid space around the brain. It lies between the splenium of the corpus callosum (superiorly), the cerebellar vermis (inferiorly and posteriorly), and the tentorial margin. It lies medial to part of the medial occipital cortex.
What does Cisterna Magna mean?
The cisterna magna (CM) [1] or cerebellomedullary cistern is a subarachnoid space that lies between the caudal aspect of the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata draining the fourth ventricle.
What is the cistern in the brain?
Cisterns, commonly known as subarachnoid cisterns, are enlarged pockets of cerebrospinal fluid located in the subarach noid spaces in the brain(1). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) refers to the clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Aside from cisterns, the subarachnoid spaces contain CSF and major blood vessels(2).
Which subarachnoid cistern receives cerebrospinal fluid?
The cerebellomedullary cistern is the largest subarachnoid cistern located between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata (responsible for involuntary functions)(21). It receives cerebrospinal fluid through the median and lateral apertures from the fourth ventricle(22).
Why are subarachnoid cisterns important?
The subarachnoid cisterns are significant in precluding injuries to the neurovascular structures during neurosurgical procedures (25).
Which shape of the cistern of lamina terminalis may contribute to the prediction of the direction of an?
A study suggested that the constant shape of the cistern of lamina terminalis may contribute to the prediction of the direction of aneurysm hemorrhage of the anterior communicating artery(10).
What is the name of the artery that controls the brain's cognitive functions?
Sylvian Cistern. The Sylvian cistern , which is known as the insular cistern, is located between the temporal (lower lobe of the cortex) and frontal lobes (control essential human cognitive functions)(12). This cistern contains some arteries, including the middle cerebral artery (terminal branch of the internal carotid artery)(13).
How are cisterns formed?
These cisterns are formed due to the pia mater’s firm adherence to the spinal cord and brain surface and its loose attachment to the arachnoid mater(4).
Where is the subarachnoid fluid located?
This fluid is located between the arachnoid, one of the brain and spinal cord’s protective membranes, and pia mater, a fibrous tissue that allows blood vessels to nourish the brain(3).
Where are the cisterns located in the brain?
There are many cisterns in the brain with several large ones noted with their own name. At the base of the spinal cord is another subarachnoid cistern: the lumbar cistern which is the site for a lumbar puncture . Some major subarachnoid cisterns:
What is the name of the cistern that surrounds the ventral aspect of the pons?
Pontine cistern. Surrounds the ventral aspect of the pons. It receives CSF via the paired lateral apertures. It contains:
What is the subarachnoid cistern?
Subarachnoid cisterns. The subarachnoid cisterns are spaces formed by openings in the subarachnoid space, an anatomic space in the meninges of the brain. The space separates two of the meninges, the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. These cisterns are filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
How are subarachnoid cisterns separated?
Rather, these subarachnoid cisterns are separated from each other by a trabeculated porous wall with various-sized openings.
What is the Latin name for the cistern?
Identifiers. Latin. cisterna subarachnoideum. Anatomical terminology. The subarachnoid cisterns are spaces formed by openings in the subarachnoid space, an anatomic space in the meninges of the brain. The space separates two of the meninges, the arachnoid mater and the pia mater.
Which subarachnoid cistern receives CSF from the fourth ventricle?
Some major subarachnoid cisterns: Cisterna magna also called cerebellomedullary cistern - the largest of the subarachnoid cisterns. It lies between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata. It receives CSF from the fourth ventricle via the median aperture (foramen of Magendie).
What is the superior cistern?
Superior cistern - It is situated dorsal to the midbrain. Thin, sheet-like extensions of the superior cistern that extend laterally about the midbrain, connecting it to the interpeduncular cistern. Ambient cistern may also refer to the combination of these extensions and the superior cistern.
What is the cistern of the cerebral arteries?
The cistern is surrounded by the cerebral peduncles and contains the following: Oculomotor nerve (caudal view) the bifurcation of the basilar artery. proximal parts of the posterior cerebral arteries, together with some of their perforating branches. proximal parts of the superior cerebellar arteries.
Where is the interpeduncular cistern located?
Interpeduncular cistern. The interpeduncular cistern is a relatively wide and cone-shaped cistern occupying the interpeduncular fossa. It is located at the confluence of the supra- and infratentorial subarachnoid space between the two temporal lobes.
Where is the cisterna magna located?
It is located between the medulla anteriorly and the cerebellum posteriorly. The cistern receives CSF from the diamond shaped fourth ventricle via the median and lateral apertures.
What is the only wall that separates the cisterns?
In reality only a porous wall that has numerous openings or various sizes separates the cisterns. All the arteries and veins of the brain as well as the cranial nerves must pass through the subarachnoid space to leave the skull, and carry their meningeal layers until the very point at which they leave the skull.
What is the name of the fluid that is used to provide nutrients to the brain?
Subarachnoid cisterns. The brain is bathed in fluid during life. The name of this substance is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It provides the brain with nutrients, allows for solute exchange, and provides basic mechanical and functional support to the organ.
What are the components of the central nervous system?
The central nervous system comprises the brain, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord. All components of the system are encased within the three meninges: Cross section of the arachnoid mater. The pia mater is closely adherent to the brain, and closely follows the contours of the sulci and gyri on the cerebral cortex.
Where does CSF accumulate?
There are areas where the CSF will accumulate due to spaces between the two innermost brain layers ( meninges ). These areas are known as the subarachnoid cisterns. In this article we will discuss the anatomy, contents, function and clinical relevance of these structures.
How are cisterns separated?
The cisterns are, in some instances, separated from each other by arachnoid membranes .
What is the subarachnoid cistern?
The subarachnoid cisterns, or basal cisterns , are compartments within the subarachnoid space where the pia mater and arachnoid membrane are not in close approximation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) forms pools or cisterns (Latin: "box").
What is the name of the cistern that separates the medulla?
premedullary cistern (unpaired): anterior to the medulla. cisterna magna (unpaired): posterior to the medulla, the largest of the subarachnoid cisterns. The cisterns are, in some instances, separated from each other by arachnoid membranes .
What is suprasellar cistern?
suprasellar (chiasmatic) cistern (unpaired): . anterior to the interpeduncular cistern, surrounds the pituitary infundibulum and optic chiasm. perimesencephalic cisterns. interpeduncular cistern (unpaired): between the cerebral crura. crural cisterns (paired): between the cerebral crus and uncus of the temporal lobe.
What is the cistern of the lamina terminalis?
cistern of the lamina terminalis (unpaired): superior to the suprasellar cistern, anterior to the anterior wall of the third ventricle. Sylvian cistern (paired): deep part of the Sylvian fissure. cistern of the velum interpositum (unpaired): between the layers of tela choroidea in the roof of the third ventricle.
