Lateral cerebellomedullary cistern

The lateral cerebellomedullary cisterns are dilated subarachnoid spaces which are situated between the anterior surface of the cerebellum (posteriorly) and the dorsal aspect of the lateral medulla oblongata (anteriorly). There are two lateral cerebellomedullary cisterns, which communicate with the cisterna magna in the midline (a.k.a. posterior cerebellomedullary cistern). The cerebrospinal fluid leaks through the lateral apertures in the roof of the fourth ventricle to enter into the lateral cerebellomedullary cisterns on both sides.

Knowing about these cisterns is clinically important, as some space occupying lesions, such as, meningiomas have been documented in the lateral cerebellomedullary cisterns. These have been reported to potentially compress upon several important anatomical structures, including the vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, choroid plexus and cranial (glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory) nerves.