Posterior fossa

Posterior Fossa

The posterior fossa is a small space located in the lower part of the cranium, the bony structure that houses the brain. It is bordered anteriorly by the petrous temporal bone, laterally by the mastoid part of the temporal bone, and posteriorly by the occipital bone. The posterior fossa contains the brainstem and cerebellum, which are responsible for vital functions such as respiration and heart rate, as well as coordination and balance.

Anatomy

The posterior fossa is divided into three main parts: the medulla oblongata, the pons, and the cerebellum. The medulla oblongata is the lowermost part of the brainstem, connecting the spinal cord to the brain. The pons is located above the medulla oblongata and serves as a communication and coordination center between the two hemispheres of the brain. The cerebellum, located behind the pons and medulla oblongata, is responsible for motor control, balance, and coordination.

Clinical Significance

Due to its small size and the vital structures it contains, the posterior fossa is often involved in various neurological disorders. These include Chiari malformation, in which the cerebellum extends into the spinal canal, and Dandy-Walker syndrome, a congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum and the fluid-filled spaces around it. Tumors in the posterior fossa, such as medulloblastoma and ependymoma, are also common, particularly in children.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of posterior fossa disorders often involves neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatment varies depending on the specific disorder and may include medication, physiotherapy, and in severe cases, neurosurgery.

See Also

• Brainstem
• Cerebellum
• Neurological disorders
• Neuroimaging