Interpeduncular cistern

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 (including its bifurcation),
  • (origins of the) posterior cerebral arteries,
  • posterior communicating arteries,
• (the origin of the) posterior thalamo-perforating arteries,
• (part of the) superior cerebellar artery,
• basal vein,
• (proximal portion of the) anterior ponto-mesencephalic vein,
• (proximal portion of the) oculomotor nerves (CN III),
• trochlear nerves (CN IV).