An axial CT of the head at the level of the suprasellar cistern shows the characteristic five-pointed star configuration formed by the middle cerebral arteries. Which structures normally occupy this cistern alongside them?

• A Caudate nuclei and anterior horns of lateral ventricles
• B Pineal gland and great vein of Galen
• C Cerebral peduncles and trochlear nerves
• D Optic chiasm and circle of Willis vessels ✓

Explanation

The suprasellar cistern lies above the sella turcica and contains the optic chiasm, the infundibulum, and the components of the circle of Willis including both middle cerebral arteries, whose course gives the star shape. The pineal gland and vein of Galen occupy the quadrigeminal cistern, the cerebral peduncles border the ambient cistern, and the caudate nuclei lie intraparenchymally at the level of the lateral ventricles.

Reference: Snell's Clinical Neuroanatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.