The inferior medullary velum: anatomical study and neurosurgical relevance

Abstract

Object Although it is often visualized surgically, details regarding the inferior medullary velum are lacking in the literature. The present study is intended to better elucidate this neuroanatomical structure using microsurgical and immunohistochemical analyses. Methods To study the inferior medullary velum, the authors performed microdissection in 15 adult cadavers. Following gross study, specimens were examined histologically. Results The inferior medullary velum extended from the flocculus to the middle cerebellar peduncle and stretched between the inferior cerebellar peduncle and the nodule and pyramid. The average thickness of the velum was found to be 0.5 mm (range 0.35–0.8 mm) and the average length was found to be 6 mm (range 5.5–7.2 mm). Arterial branches were identified in all specimens that arose from medullary branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery and supplied the inferior medullary velum. Histologically and from internal to external, a choroid plexus epithelium as a single cell layer was adjacent to a cuboidal layer of ependymal cells with no visible cilia. The next layer contained scattered glia in single cells or small clusters. The most external layer was composed of flat spindle cells resembling fibroblasts. No neurons of any type were identified. Only rare axons traversed the thin hypocellular zone that disappeared toward the midline. Conclusions Based on this cadaveric study, the authors conclude that division of the inferior medullary velum should be relatively harmless as no neuronal cells were identified in this structure, which appears to be a vestigial bridge of tissue between the left and right sides of the cerebellum.