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Cisterna magna

The cisterna magna (also known as the cerebellomedullary cistern) is the largest of the subarachnoid cisterns.

It is located between the cerebellum and the dorsal surface of the medulla oblongata. CSF produced in the ventricular system drains into the cisterna magna from the fourth ventricle via the median aperture (of Magendie) and the lateral apertures (of Luschka).

The two other principal cisterns are the pontine cistern located between the pons and the medulla, and the interpeduncular cistern located between the cerebral peduncles.

Related pathology

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