During a surgical procedure for a meningioma at the foramen of Magendie, the surgeon must be cautious about which neuroanatomical relationship?
- A The foramen of Magendie lies in the roof of the fourth ventricle at the level of the obex ✓
- B The foramen of Magendie is located in the lateral recesses of the fourth ventricle
- C The foramen of Magendie communicates with the ambient cistern bilaterally
- D The foramen of Magendie is the only midline communication between ventricles and subarachnoid space
Correct answer: A. The foramen of Magendie lies in the roof of the fourth ventricle at the level of the obex
Explanation
The foramen of Magendie (median aperture) is located in the caudal part of the roof of the fourth ventricle near the obex, connecting the fourth ventricle to the cisterna magna. The foramina of Luschka (lateral apertures) are the lateral openings in the fourth ventricle that open into the cisterna pontis. Obstruction of the foramen of Magendie causes non-communicating hydrocephalus. Surgical proximity to the obex risks respiratory dysfunction due to nearby vital centres.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.