Quadrigeminal cistern

The quadrigeminal cistern is a dilated space within the subarachnoid region located behind the superior and inferior colliculi of the mid-brain. It is surrounded at the front by the colliculi, known as the quadrigeminal plate, and the pineal gland. It’s posterior boundary is formed by the vermis of the cerebellum. Above, it is separated by the splenium of the corpus callosum, while below, it terminates at the meeting point of the quadrigeminal plate (inferior colliculi) and the lingula of the vermis.

The quadrigeminal cistern is a central structure that extends on both sides of the mid-brain to connect with the ambient cisterns. Within this cistern, various blood vessels and the trochlear nerve can be found. It accommodates the posterior cerebral artery and its perforating branches, the posterior pericallosal arteries, the third segment of the superior cerebellar artery, as well as the medial and lateral posterior choroidal arteries. Additionally, it contains the great cerebral vein of Galen, the basal vein of Rosenthal, internal cerebral veins, atrial veins, posterior pericallosal veins, and vein of the cerebellum mesencephalic fissure.