Cisterna ligament is a term commonly used in anatomy, referring to a ligament in the abdominal cavity that supports the gallbladder. The spelling of this term can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, where the "ci" sound is represented by /sɪstərnə/ and the "ligament" sound is represented by /ˈlɪɡəmənt/. Together, the term is spelled /sɪstərnə ˈlɪɡəmənt/. Proper spelling is important in medical terminology as it ensures accuracy and clarity in communication between medical professionals.
Cisterna ligament, also known as the ligament of the cisterna magna, is a ligamentous structure located within the human brain that serves an important role in supporting and stabilizing the cerebellum. The cisterna ligament is situated in the posterior cranial fossa, a depression in the base of the skull that houses the cerebellum and the brainstem.
The ligament itself is a fibrous band composed of connective tissue, specifically dense irregular collagenous fibers. It is formed by the dura mater, which is the tough outermost layer of the meninges, the protective covering of the brain.
Its main function is to anchor and suspend the cerebellum, a vital part of the brain responsible for motor coordination, balance, and posture, within the cranial cavity. By providing support and stability to the cerebellum, the cisterna ligament plays a critical role in maintaining the proper positioning and functioning of this brain structure.
The cisterna ligament derives its name from the adjacent structure it surrounds and supports, the cisterna magna. The cisterna magna is a cerebrospinal fluid-filled subarachnoid space located in the lower posterior part of the brain between the cerebellum and the brainstem. The cisterna ligament helps maintain the integrity and proper fluid dynamics of this area by holding the cerebellum in position and preventing excessive movement or displacement.
• The space between the osseous and the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear, containing the perilymph.
• An upward continuation of the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord, continuous about the oblongata with the c. cerebellomedullaris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.