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Brainstem

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles

Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles

There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen.

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...

Veins of Head and Neck

Veins of Head and Neck

The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...

Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II

Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II

Each cerebral hemisphere can be divided into three main regions. The outermost region, the cerebral cortex, is a thin layer (2 to 4 millimeters thick) made up of gray matter, consisting of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, glial cells, and blood vessels. The middle region, or white matter, is primarily composed of myelinated nerve fibers organized into three types of large tracts: association fibers, commissures, and projection fibers. Association fibers connect different areas within the same...

Cerebellum: Anatomical Regions

Cerebellum: Anatomical Regions

The cerebellum, also known as the "little brain," is located in the posterior cranial fossa, inferior to the tentorium cerebelli and dorsal to the brainstem. It plays a significant role in motor control, coordination, and proprioception.
Cerebellar Structure
Externally, the cerebellum features a highly convoluted surface with numerous folia (narrow ridges) separated by shallow sulci (grooves). The cerebellum is divided into two hemispheres by a thin median structure known as the vermis. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Exploring Deep Space - Uncovering the Anatomy of Periventricular Structures to Reveal the Lateral Ventricles of the Human Brain

Exploring Deep Space - Uncovering the Anatomy of Periventricular Structures to Reveal the Lateral Ventricles of the Human Brain

Published on: October 22, 2017

Dilated Virchow Robin spaces in brainstem.

Nishanth Sadashiva¹, Jitender Saini²

¹Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

British Journal of Neurosurgery

|September 10, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Giant dilated Virchow Robin spaces (dVRS) are rare brain abnormalities. This case highlights a young boy with an incidental brainstem dVRS, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis to prevent unnecessary surgery.

Keywords:

Virchow Robin spaces brainstem neurology neurosurgery

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Radiology
Pathology

Background:

Virchow Robin spaces are normal perivascular spaces in the brain.
Giant dilated Virchow Robin spaces (dVRS) are an uncommon finding.
dVRS typically do not necessitate surgical intervention unless symptomatic.

Purpose of the Study:

To report a rare case of incidentally detected giant dVRS in the brainstem of a young boy.
To emphasize the importance of recognizing dVRS to prevent misdiagnosis and mismanagement, such as mistaking it for a glioma.

Main Methods:

Case report of a pediatric patient.
Review of neuroimaging findings.
Differential diagnosis considerations between dVRS and brain tumors.

Main Results:

An incidentally detected giant dVRS was found in the brainstem.
The lesion was initially suspected to be a glioma, prompting surgical referral.
Accurate identification of dVRS was crucial for appropriate management.

Conclusions:

Giant dVRS can be incidentally found in the brainstem.
Awareness of dVRS is critical for neurosurgeons and radiologists to avoid misdiagnosis.
Proper identification prevents unnecessary surgical interventions for non-symptomatic dVRS.