[Surgical anatomy of the brain stem].
We reviewed the literature on brain stem anatomy, to identify possible and non-hazardous entry zones with a minimum of functional risks. Using the reticular formation defined as a median structure in a coronal plane, we determined six anatomic zones, 3 ventral, 3 dorsal (mesencephalic, pontic, medulla-oblongata). Considering the functional structures surrounding each zone, the possible penetration points are described. There are ventral, one for the mesencephale, one for the pons, one for the medulla oblongata; and dorsal, one for the mesencephale, two for the floor of the 4th ventricle, one for the medulla oblongata.
Chazal
J
J
Service de neurochirurgie A, hôpital Gabriel-Montpied, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, BP 69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 01, France. jchazal@chu-clermontferrand.fr
Ghannane
H
H
Sakka
L
L
D001933:Brain Stem / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures