infratentorial
Pronunciation: in-fruh-ten-TAWR-ee-uhl
Located below the tentorium cerebelli, referring to brain tumors or surgical procedures in the posterior fossa.
Full Definition
Infratentorial describes anatomical structures or pathological processes located below the tentorium cerebelli, within the posterior fossa. This compartment contains the brainstem, cerebellum, and fourth ventricle. Infratentorial tumors in neurosurgical oncology include medulloepitheliomas, cerebellar astrocytomas, and brainstem gliomas. These lesions often present with distinctive symptoms such as ataxia, cranial nerve deficits, and hydrocephalus due to fourth ventricular obstruction. Surgical approaches to infratentorial tumors require specialized techniques and carry unique risks related to vital brainstem structures.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred over 'subtentorial' in contemporary medical writing.
In Context
- "The infratentorial ependymoma was approached via a suboccipital craniectomy." — operative note
- "Infratentorial tumors in children often cause hydrocephalus requiring CSF diversion." — pediatric neurosurgery review