On a T2-weighted axial MRI through the level of the mid-pons, a hyperintense CSF-filled space is seen ventral to the pons and cerebellum, surrounding the basilar artery. This space is the:

• A Ambient cistern
• B Cerebellopontine angle cistern
• C Quadrigeminal cistern
• D Prepontine cistern ✓

Explanation

The prepontine cistern lies ventral to the pons, between the pons and the clivus, and contains the basilar artery. The cerebellopontine angle cistern lies at the lateral junction of pons and cerebellum. The quadrigeminal cistern lies dorsal to the midbrain. The ambient cistern wraps around the midbrain laterally.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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