Cavum Vergae

Anatomical variant of the brain

Cavum Vergae

The Cavum Vergae is a potential space in the brain, located posterior to the cavum septi pellucidi. It is considered an anatomical variant and is not present in all individuals. The cavum vergae is named after the Italian anatomist Andrea Verga, who first described it in the 19th century.

Cavum Vergae in a brain MRI

Anatomy

The cavum vergae is situated between the two layers of the septum pellucidum, which is a thin membrane separating the anterior horns of the lateral ventricles of the brain. The cavum vergae is an extension of the cavum septi pellucidi, which is located anteriorly. When present, the cavum vergae is found posterior to the foramen of Monro and extends towards the corpus callosum.

Development

The cavum vergae, like the cavum septi pellucidi, is a normal finding in the developing fetal brain. It is typically present in the fetus and newborns but often closes during infancy. In some individuals, the cavum vergae persists into adulthood, although it is usually asymptomatic and considered a normal anatomical variant.

Clinical Significance

The presence of a cavum vergae is generally of no clinical significance. However, it can be identified during neuroimaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. In rare cases, an enlarged cavum vergae may be associated with other neurological conditions, but it is not typically considered a pathological finding on its own.

Related Structures

• Cavum septi pellucidi: A similar potential space located anterior to the cavum vergae.
• Corpus callosum: A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, located superior to the cavum vergae.
• Lateral ventricles: Cavities within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid, located adjacent to the septum pellucidum.

Related Pages

• Ventricular system
• Neuroanatomy
• Brain development