Compared to the first edition published in 1977, this new edition also includes figures about the superficial venous network of the brain stem published in a former book (The superficial veins of the human brain, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg 1975). Thus the reader will have a more precise and complete view of the superficial brainstem vessels. A special study on the pineal or collicular region is also included and the last plates of the book show a correlation between the vascular territories and MRI views of brainstem vascular diseases. The aim of this book is to provide a complete view of the vascularization of the brainstem in humans including the arteries, veins and capillary network, for the study brainstem pathology. Neurosurgeons know everything about nerves, however little about the surrounding vascular system. The vascular system of the brain, however, helps orient particularly the endoscopic neurosurgeon within the brain: - vessels are much more fragile than the veins.

Material and Methods.- A Survey of the Brain Stem Morphology.- I: Arteries and Veins of the Brain Stem.- General Arrangement of the Superficial Arteries and Veins of the Brain Stem.- Superficial Path and Internal Territories of Arteries and Veins of Medulla, Pons and Mesencephalon.- II: The Vascular Architecture of the Brain Stem.- III: An Introduction to the Localization of Brain Stem Infarction.- References.