Subarachnoid cisterns | |
---|---|
Details | |
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. [1] The space is situated between the two meninges, the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. These cisterns are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). [1]
Although the pia mater adheres to the surface of the brain, closely following the contours of its gyri and sulci, the arachnoid mater only covers its superficial surface, bridging across the gyri. This leaves wider spaces between the pia and arachnoid and the cavities are known as the subarachnoid cisterns.
Although they are often described as distinct compartments, the subarachnoid cisterns are not truly anatomically distinct. Rather, these subarachnoid cisterns are separated from each other by a trabeculated porous wall with various-sized openings.
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:
It is of clinical significance that cerebral arteries, veins and cranial nerves must pass through the subarachnoid space, and these structures maintain their meningeal investment until around their point of exit from the skull.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid found within the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord of all vertebrates.
Articles related to anatomy include:
The pons is part of the brainstem that in humans and other bipeds lies inferior to the midbrain, superior to the medulla oblongata and anterior to the cerebellum.
The oculomotor nerve, also known as the third cranial nerve, cranial nerve III, or simply CN III, is a cranial nerve that enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure and innervates extraocular muscles that enable most movements of the eye and that raise the eyelid. The nerve also contains fibers that innervate the intrinsic eye muscles that enable pupillary constriction and accommodation. The oculomotor nerve is derived from the basal plate of the embryonic midbrain. Cranial nerves IV and VI also participate in control of eye movement.
The ventricular system is a set of four interconnected cavities known as cerebral ventricles in the brain. Within each ventricle is a region of choroid plexus which produces the circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The ventricular system is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord from the fourth ventricle, allowing for the flow of CSF to circulate.
The midbrain or mesencephalon is the rostral-most portion of the brainstem connecting the diencephalon and cerebrum with the pons. It consists of the cerebral peduncles, tegmentum, and tectum.
The internal carotid artery is an artery in the neck which supplies the anterior circulation of the brain.
In neuroanatomy, dura mater is a thick membrane made of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is the outermost of the three layers of membrane called the meninges that protect the central nervous system. The other two meningeal layers are the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. It envelops the arachnoid mater, which is responsible for keeping in the cerebrospinal fluid. It is derived primarily from the neural crest cell population, with postnatal contributions of the paraxial mesoderm.
The arachnoid mater is one of the three meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is so named because of its resemblance to a spider web. The arachnoid mater is a derivative of the neural crest mesoectoderm in the embryo.
The posterior cerebral artery (PCA) is one of a pair of cerebral arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the occipital lobe, part of the back of the human brain. The two arteries originate from the distal end of the basilar artery, where it bifurcates into the left and right posterior cerebral arteries. These anastomose with the middle cerebral arteries and internal carotid arteries via the posterior communicating arteries.
In human anatomy, the left and right posterior communicating arteries are small arteries at the base of the brain that form part of the circle of Willis.
The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is located between the cerebellum and the pons. The cerebellopontine angle is the site of the cerebellopontine angle cistern.
The nucleus of the trochlear nerve is a motor nucleus in the medial midbrain giving rise to the trochlear nerve.
The pontine cistern is a subarachnoid cistern situated ventrally/anteriorly to the pons. It contains the basilar artery. Each lateral aperture opens into the pontine cistern just posterior to the cranial nerve VIII.
The interpeduncular cistern is the subarachnoid cistern situated between the dorsum sellae and the two cerebral peduncles of the mesencephalon (midbrain). Its roof is represented by the floor of the third ventricle. Its floor is formed by the arachnoid membrane extending between the temporal lobes of either side.
The superior cistern is a dilation as a subarachnoid cistern of the subarachnoid space around the brain. It lies between the splenium of the corpus callosum and the superior surface of the cerebellum. It extends between the layers of the tela choroidea of the third ventricle. It contains the great cerebral vein, posterior cerebral artery, quadrigeminal artery, glossopharyngeal nerve, and the pineal gland.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to human anatomy:
The collicular artery or quadrigeminal artery arises from the posterior cerebral artery. This small artery supplies portions of the midbrain, especially the superior colliculus, inferior colliculus, and tectum.
The tentorial notch refers to the anterior opening between the free edge of the cerebellar tentorium and the clivus for the passage of the brainstem.