====== Pontine cistern ====== {{ http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Gray768.png}} The pontine [[cistern]] (also known as the [[prepontine cistern]]), cisterna pontis is one of the [[subarachnoid cistern]]s. It occupies a large space on the ventral aspect of the pons and contains the [[basilar artery]]. It is filled with [[CSF]] and is contiguous with the subarachnoid cavity of the [[spinal cord]]. It is also continuous with the [[cisterna magna]] behind, and the [[interpeduncular cistern]] anteriorly. Surrounds the ventral aspect of the pons. It contains: The basilar artery and the origin of the anteroinferior cerebellar artery ([[AICA]]). The origin of the superior cerebellar arteries. The sixth (VI) cranial nerve.