Brain, Meninges & CSF Anatomy

Tentorium cerebelli

The tentorium cerebelli is the tent-like fold of dura separating the cerebrum above from the cerebellum below.

In short: Tentorium cerebelli

  • It defines the supratentorial and infratentorial regions.
  • It is a fold of the dura mater.
  • It separates the upper and lower brain compartments.
  • It is a key reference for locating findings.

What it is

It is the tent-like fold of dura that separates the cerebrum (above) from the cerebellum (below). It is the dividing membrane that defines two major brain compartments.

Understanding Tentorium cerebelli

It is the landmark that divides the brain into supratentorial and infratentorial compartments, terms used to describe encephalocele location. When a report or surgeon describes a finding as supratentorial or infratentorial, they are locating it relative to this membrane, which helps communicate exactly which structures may be involved.

Why it matters

Understanding the tentorium helps families follow the location terms used in imaging reports and discussions, clarifying which part of the brain a finding involves.

Common questions

What does the tentorium separate?

The cerebrum from the cerebellum.

What regions does it define?

Supratentorial and infratentorial.

What is it made of?

Dura mater.

Bottom line

The tentorium cerebelli separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum, defining supra- and infratentorial regions.

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