Efface is a term frequently used by radiologists, most often in the context of CSF-containing spaces in the brain (sulci and ventricles). Unfortunately, it is often used incorrectly. The word efface, in general English usage, means to cause something to fade or disappear 1 , 2.

What are the basal cisterns?

The subarachnoid cisterns, or basal cisterns, are compartments within the subarachnoid space where the pia mater and arachnoid membrane are not in close approximation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) forms pools or cisterns (Latin: box). As they are interconnected, their patency is essential for CSF circulation.

What is effacement of sulci?

Sulcal effacement is a local secondary sign of mass effect in the cranium. Any lesion exerting mass effect on brain parenchyma can push adjacent gyri together, thereby displacing the CSF from the sulci.

How many cisterns are there in the brain?

1 = Olfactory cistern; 2 = Callosal cistern; 3 = Chiasmatic cistern with I and II nerves;4 = Carotid cistern; 5 = Sylvian cistern; 6 = Crural cistern; 7 = Interpeduncular cisterns with III nerves; 8 = Ambient cisterns with IV nerves; 9 = Prepontine cistern with VI nerves; 10 = Cerebellopontine cistern on each side with …

What does effacement mean on MRI?

Effacement means obliterating or erasing while right neural to the Intervertebral foramen: an opening between vertebrae through which nerves leave the spine and extend to other parts of the body. Lateral recess is descriptive term of the foramen. Here we have some erasing of the cervical cord in the image or picture.

Can you feel effacement?

Effacement: Thinning of the cervix As labor begins, your cervix softens, shortens and thins (effacement). You might feel uncomfortable, but irregular, not very painful contractions or nothing at all. Effacement is often expressed in percentages.

Where is basilar cistern?

The interpeduncular cistern (or basal cistern) is an unpaired CSF-filled subarachnoid cistern located between the cerebral peduncles. It is partially bounded by the leaves of the Liliequist membrane, one of the arachnoid membranes, which separate it from its direct cranial and caudal relations1.

What is lumbar cistern?

The lumbar cistern refers to the subarachnoid space in the lower lumbar spinal canal. The cistern is an enlargement of the subarachnoid space in the dural sac, distal to the conus medullaris. It contains cerebrospinal fluid and the nerve roots of the cauda equina.

What is the function of cistern?

Cisterns are large tanks that store rainwater collected from impervious surfaces for domestic uses or for consumption.

What does mild effacement mean?

2 medical : the thinning or obliteration of tissue or narrowing of an internal anatomical space effacement of the spinal subarachnoid space especially : the shortening and thinning of the uterine cervix during labor so that only the external orifice remains.

What does it mean to be 80 effaced when pregnant?

What Does It Mean to Be 80 Percent Effaced? If you’re 80 percent effaced, your cervix is 80 percent thinned and you’re nearing 100 percent effacement.

What is mild thecal sac effacement?

The thecal sac contains the cerebrospinal fluid which provides nutrients and buoyancy to the spinal cord. When effacement or impingement is identified on the report, it means that the sheathe surrounding your spinal cord and nerves is being pressed on.

Are there nerves in the subarachnoid space?

It contains the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII), the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Is Cisterna Magna subarachnoid space?

The cisterna magna (or cerebellomedullaris cistern) is one of three principal openings in the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid and pia mater layers of the meninges surrounding the brain. The openings are collectively referred to as the subarachnoid cisterns.

Which cistern contains the pineal gland?

quadrigeminal cistern The pineal gland is a unique midline organ located posterior to the third ventricle in the quadrigeminal cistern.

What does partially effaced mean?

If you’re being examined during labour, your midwife or doctor might say something like ‘You’re 50 percent effaced’. This just means that your cervix has thinned out by 50 percent of what is considered fully effaced. So, if you hear this, you’re halfway to 100 percent effacement.

What is the right ventral cord?

The ventral nerve cord (VNC) is a major structure of the invertebrate central nervous system. It is the functional equivalent of the vertebrate spinal cord. The VNC coordinates neural signaling from the brain to the body and vice versa, integrating sensory input and locomotor output.

How many MM is a bad disc bulge?

Hence, a disc bulge is nothing but a generalized extension of the disc tissue beyond the perimeter of the vertebrae, usually around 1-4 mm. This bulge or protrusion often causes nerve compression to produce symptoms like: Pain or tingling in fingers, arms, legs, neck, hand, feet, buttocks, or shoulders.

What is the Purple Line in labor?

Purple line is one of the non-invasive methods to assess the progress of cervical dilatation and foetal head descent in labour (Shepherd et al. 2010). This line starts at the anus and moves up the cleft at the beginning of the second stage of labour (Byrne and Edmonds 1990).

Can you feel baby’s head during cervix?

Fetal position—If your provider is unable to tell which way your baby is positioned by feeling your abdomen, sometimes a cervical exam can help clarify if your baby is head down or breech. When your cervix is more dilated, the exact position of your baby’s head can also be felt (facing down, up, or to the side).

Can you be 100 effaced and not in labor?

This probably isn’t the answer you want to hear, but you can be varying degrees of dilated or effaced for several days — or even weeks — before true labor begins. Alternatively, you might not be dilated or effaced at all and still go into labor within hours.

Are cisterns part of the ventricular system?

CSF is a clear, watery fluid that fills the ventricles of the brain and the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord. … The ventricles constitute the internal part of a communicating system containing CSF. The external part of the system is formed by the subarachnoid space and cisterns.

How do you find a subarachnoid hemorrhage on a CT scan?

On CT scans, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) appears as a high-attenuating, amorphous substance that fills the normally dark, CSF-filled subarachnoid spaces around the brain, as shown in the images below. The normally black subarachnoid cisterns and sulci may appear white in acute hemorrhage.

What is the ambient cistern?

The ambient cistern is a thin, sheet-like extension of the quadrigeminal cistern that extends laterally around the midbrain and posterior to the thalami. It acts as the connection between the quadrigeminal cistern and the interpeduncular cistern.

What is the clinical implication of the lumbar cistern?

cerebrospinal fluid filled area between the end of the spinal cord and the end of the vertebral column. Cerebrospinal fluid is often sampled here in a process (i.e. lumbar puncture or spinal tap) that can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions such as meningitis and multiple sclerosis.

What does the lumbar cistern contain?

Lumbar cistern The space inside the arachnoid mater is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Below the conus medullaris, this space is enlarged. This enlargement is called the lumbar cistern and contains CSF, the filum terminale, and the cauda equina.

Where does the lumbar cistern start?

The lumbar cistern is part of the subarachnoid space. It is the space within the thecal sac which extends from below the end of the spinal cord (the conus medularis), typically at the level of the first to second lumbar vertebrae down to tapering of the dura at the level of the second sacral vertebra.

Why do old houses have cisterns?

Cisterns are stone wells that are often found in older houses or landscaping. A cistern is designed to act as a water reservoir, holding the water until it’s needed. … An older cistern may be used decoratively or covered up.

What do cisterns look like?

Cisterns are generally circular structures made of brick or wood. Ranging from 6 to 10 feet in diameter and 7 to 12 feet deep, some were built and then lowered into the ground, while others were constructed in the ground itself.

Are cisterns safe?

In many areas of the world, people get drinking water from catchment (collection) systems that trap and store rainwater. Even when these systems are constructed and used properly, they are easily contaminated by germs that can cause sickness. … Cisterns and Other Rain Catchment Systems.

Cistern Capacity Unscented Household Bleach (5%-6%)
500 gallons 16 cups