The prepontine cistern, or simply pontine cistern, is an unpaired CSF-filled subarachnoid cistern located ventral to the pons and dorsal to the clivus. It is bounded by arachnoid membranes which separate it from surrounding cisterns.

What is Prepontine cistern?

The prepontine cistern is the subarachnoid space between the clivus - the ventral aspect of the pons - and the anteromedial aspect of the petrous pyramid (Fig. 116).

Where are the basilar cisterns?

The subarachnoid cisterns, or basal cisterns, are compartments within the subarachnoid space where the pia mater and arachnoid membrane are not in close approximation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) forms pools or cisterns (Latin: "box"). As they are interconnected, their patency is essential for CSF circulation.