Brain ventricle

Brain ventricle refers to one of the four connected fluid-filled cavities within the human brain. These cavities are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides a cushioning effect to the brain, supplies it with nutrients, and removes waste products. The brain ventricles consist of two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle.

Anatomy

The lateral ventricles are the largest of the four and are located in the cerebral hemispheres. Each lateral ventricle is shaped like a C and has three parts: the anterior (frontal) horn, the body, and the posterior (occipital) and inferior (temporal) horns.

The third ventricle is a narrow, funnel-shaped cavity located in the midline of the brain, between the two thalami. It communicates with the lateral ventricles through the interventricular foramen (also known as the foramen of Monro).

The fourth ventricle is located at the back of the pons and the upper half of the medulla oblongata. It communicates with the third ventricle through the cerebral aqueduct (also known as the aqueduct of Sylvius).

Function

The primary function of the brain ventricles is to produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid serves several crucial functions, including providing buoyancy to the brain, delivering nutrients, removing waste products, and acting as a shock absorber to protect the brain from injury.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the size or shape of the brain ventricles can indicate various medical conditions. For example, hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles, leading to increased pressure within the skull. This can be caused by an overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid, a blockage in its flow, or problems with its absorption.

Schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders have also been associated with abnormalities in the brain ventricles. Some studies have found that individuals with these conditions often have larger than normal ventricles, suggesting a loss of brain tissue.

See also

• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Hydrocephalus
• Schizophrenia