Interpeduncular cistern
The interpeduncular cistern is the subarachnoid cistern situated between the dorsum sellae and the two cerebral peduncles at the front of the midbrain. Its roof is represented by the floor of the third ventricle. Its floor is formed by the arachnoid membrane extending between the temporal lobes of either side. Anteriorly, it extends to the optic chiasm.
The cistern communicates superiorly with the chiasmatic cistern, and inferiorly with the pontine cistern. The chiasmatic cistern, cistern of lamina terminalis, and supracallosal cistern are all extensions of the interpeduncular cistern.
Anatomy
Contents
The cistern contains:- the posterior portion of the circle of Willis:
- * basilar artery,
- * posterior cerebral arteries,
- * posterior communicating arteries,
- posterior thalamo-perforating arteries,
- superior cerebellar artery,
- basal vein,
- anterior ponto-mesencephalic vein,
- oculomotor nerves,
- trochlear nerves.