Superior cistern

Superior cistern (also known as cistern of great cerebral vein, cistern of great vein of cerebrum, or Galens cistern) is a subarachnoid cistern located in the brain. It is a widened area of the subarachnoid space, where the arachnoid mater and the pia mater separate to form a space filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Etymology

The term "cistern" comes from the Latin word "cisterna", which means a reservoir for liquids. The term "superior" is used to denote its location in the upper part of the brain. The term "Galens cistern" is named after the Greek physician Galen, who first described it.

Anatomy

The superior cistern is located in the midline, superior to the tentorium cerebelli and posterior to the corpus callosum. It contains the great cerebral vein (also known as the vein of Galen), which is why it is also referred to as the cistern of the great cerebral vein.

The superior cistern is connected to other cisterns in the brain, including the interpeduncular cistern, the quadrigeminal cistern, and the ambient cistern. These connections allow for the flow of CSF throughout the brain.

Clinical significance

The superior cistern, like other cisterns in the brain, plays a crucial role in the circulation of CSF. Any blockage or disruption in the flow of CSF can lead to conditions such as hydrocephalus, which is characterized by an excessive accumulation of CSF in the brain.

In addition, the superior cistern is often involved in various neurosurgical procedures. For instance, it may be accessed during surgery to clip aneurysms or to remove brain tumors.

See also

• Subarachnoid space
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Arachnoid mater
• Pia mater

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