Cavity of the septum pellucidum

Cavity of the Septum Pellucidum is a narrow, vertical, slit-like space in the brain located between the two cerebral hemispheres. It is a part of the ventricular system of the brain and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Anatomy

The Cavity of the Septum Pellucidum is located in the midline of the brain, between the two lateral ventricles. It is bounded by the septum pellucidum, a thin, triangular, vertical double membrane separating the anterior horns of the left and right lateral ventricles. The septum pellucidum is itself composed of two layers, the laminae septi pellucidi, which enclose the Cavity of the Septum Pellucidum.

Development

The Cavity of the Septum Pellucidum begins to form in the fetus during the 12th week of gestation. It is initially a large space, but it gradually becomes smaller as the fetus grows and the brain develops. By the time of birth, the cavity is usually obliterated, leaving only a potential space between the two layers of the septum pellucidum.

Clinical significance

In some individuals, the Cavity of the Septum Pellucidum remains open after birth. This condition, known as a cavum septum pellucidum, is usually asymptomatic and is often discovered incidentally during neuroimaging studies. However, in rare cases, it can be associated with neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy.

See also

• Septum pellucidum
• Ventricular system
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Cavum septum pellucidum