Quadrigeminal Artery in the Skull, Superior View

Description

Seen from a superior intracranial perspective, the quadrigeminal artery is traced as it courses posteriorly around the pineal region and the tectum of the midbrain, near the paired superior and inferior colliculi. Posteriorly and slightly inferiorly, its territory relates closely to the posterior cerebral arteries and their ambient and quadrigeminal cistern segments, with small perforators extending toward the dorsal midbrain. Surrounding bony context from the skull base and cranial cavity margins helps orient the vessel’s midline position relative to the tentorial notch and posterior cranial fossa. For teaching and clinical correlation, this angle clarifies how posterior circulation branches negotiate the deep venous and cisternal corridors near the pineal gland, where pineal region tumors, arteriovenous malformations, or aneurysms can distort normal relationships. It also supports discussions of posterior circulation stroke patterns, since ischemia in perforators to the tectum can produce dorsal midbrain (Parinaud) syndrome with vertical gaze palsy. Small vessel anatomy matters here. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and approaches to the pineal region hinge on knowing what sits just dorsal and lateral to the midline. Neuroanatomy and neurosurgery courses will find this illustration well suited for pairing with Circle of Willis schematics, posterior cerebral artery territory maps, and operative approach diagrams to the pineal and quadrigeminal cisterns. It also fits radiology and angiography teaching files when explaining how a superior viewpoint differs from conventional AP or lateral projections in cerebral angiography. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.