Cisterna magna

Cisterna Magna (also known as the cerebellomedullary cistern) is one of the largest cisterns of the subarachnoid space. It is located between the cerebellum and the dorsal surface of the medulla oblongata.

Anatomy

The Cisterna Magna is a wide, cerebrospinal fluid-filled space which communicates with the fourth ventricle of the brain via the two lateral foramina of Luschka and the single, midline foramen of Magendie. It is bordered anteriorly by the medulla oblongata, posteriorly by the cerebellum, and laterally by the cerebellar hemispheres.

Clinical Significance

The Cisterna Magna is of clinical importance as it is often used as a site for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in both humans and animals. It is also a common site for the occurrence of cysts, which can cause a variety of neurological symptoms depending on their size and location.

Pathology

An enlarged Cisterna Magna, known as a Mega cisterna magna, is a condition that can be detected during a prenatal ultrasound. This condition is often associated with chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and Trisomy 18, but can also occur in otherwise normal individuals.

See Also

• Cistern (neuroanatomy)
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Fourth ventricle
• Foramina of Luschka
• Foramen of Magendie
• Mega cisterna magna

References

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