Subarachnoid cisterns

Subarachnoid cisterns are spaces in the brain where the subarachnoid space is enlarged and filled with cerebrospinal fluid. These cisterns are located between the pia mater and arachnoid mater, two of the three layers of the meninges that protect the brain and spinal cord.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "subarachnoid cisterns" is derived from the Latin sub meaning "under", arachnoid referring to the middle layer of the meninges, and cistern meaning "reservoir".

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Subarachnoid cisterns are found throughout the brain and spinal cord. Some of the most notable include:

Cisterna magna: Located between the cerebellum and the dorsal surface of the medulla oblongata.
Pontine cistern: Located on the ventral surface of the pons.
Interpeduncular cistern: Located at the base of the brain stem.
Quadrigeminal cistern: Located around the corpora quadrigemina of the midbrain.
Cistern of lamina terminalis: Located anterior to the lamina terminalis.
Ambient cistern: Located lateral to the midbrain.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the subarachnoid cisterns is to act as a reservoir for cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid serves several important functions, including providing buoyancy to the brain and spinal cord, acting as a shock absorber to protect these structures from injury, and helping to maintain a stable environment within the central nervous system.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Subarachnoid cisterns are important in clinical medicine as they can be sites of cerebrospinal fluid leak or subarachnoid hemorrhage. They are also used as landmarks in neuroimaging and neurosurgery.

References[edit | edit source]

Subarachnoid cisterns Resources
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