Subarachnoid cisterns of the brain (Sagittal) (English)

The tentorium cerebelli divides the subarachnoid cisterns into supratentorial and infratentorial cisterns. Supratentorial cisterns seen from this sagittal perspective include the cistern of central sulcus, pericallosal cistern, the basal cisterns (cistern of lamina terminalis, hypophyseal and chiasmatic cistern) and the cistern of transverse fissure. The infratentorial cisterns include the premedullary and prepontine cisterns as well as the large posterior cerebellomedullary cistern (cisterna magna). Some cisterns are located at the level of the tentorium cerebelli and therefore contain both supra and infratentorial components/parts. These cisterns include the interpeduncular, quadrigeminal, superior cerebellar and ambient cistern (not shown). CSF circulates within these subarachnoid cisterns towards the larger dural venous sinuses (namely the superior sagittal sinus) and cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone.