supratentorial
Pronunciation: soo-pruh-ten-TAWR-ee-uhl
Located above the tentorium cerebelli, referring to brain tumors or surgical procedures in the upper brain compartments.
Full Definition
Supratentorial describes anatomical structures or pathological processes located above the tentorium cerebelli, a membranous partition separating the cerebrum from the cerebellum. In neurosurgical oncology, supratentorial tumors include those affecting the cerebral hemispheres, basal ganglia, and diencephalon. These tumors typically present with different symptoms and require distinct surgical approaches compared to infratentorial lesions. The supratentorial space is divided into compartments that influence tumor spread patterns and surgical planning.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before a noun.
In Context
- "The patient presented with a supratentorial meningioma requiring frontoparietal craniotomy." — surgical case report
- "Supratentorial gliomas account for approximately 60% of all primary brain tumors in adults." — epidemiological study