Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow: Anatomy And Functions

Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow: Anatomy And Functions

Describe subarachnoid cisterns in brief.

Answer. The subarachnoid space is the space between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. It surrounds the CNS. The subarachnoid space around the brain is continuous with the subarachnoid space around the spinal cord. In the region of the brain, it communicates with the ventricular system of the brain.

Subarachnoid Cisterns

In certain situations, the subarachnoid space around the brain enlarges to form pools of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) called subarachnoid cisterns.

The principal subarachnoid cisterns:

Cerebellomedullary Cistern: It is the largest cistern (also called cisterna magna) and lies in a triangle formed by the cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and occipital bone. It receives the CSF from the 4th ventricle through a foramen Magendie and foramina of Luschka.

Pontine Cistern: It lies on the ventral aspect of the pons and contains a basilar artery.

Interpeduncular Cistern (basal cistern): It lies in the region of the interpeduncular fossa and contains a circle of Willis.

Cistern Of Lateral Sulcus (Sylvian cistern): It occupies the lateral sulcus and contains the middle cerebral artery.

Cistern Of Great Cerebral Vein (cisterna ambient): It occupies the interval between the splenium of the corpus callosum and the superior surface of the cerebellum.