Cerebral ventricles

Cerebral Ventricles

The cerebral ventricles are a network of interconnected cavities within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This system is critical for cushioning the brain, maintaining intracranial pressure, and providing a stable environment for the brain's metabolism. There are four main ventricles: the two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle.

Structure

The cerebral ventricles are lined with ependymal cells and filled with CSF. The two lateral ventricles are located in the cerebral hemispheres, one in each hemisphere. They are C-shaped structures that communicate with the third ventricle through the interventricular foramen (or foramen of Monro). The third ventricle is a narrow, vertical cavity located between the two halves of the thalamus, and it connects to the fourth ventricle via the cerebral aqueduct (or aqueduct of Sylvius).

The fourth ventricle is located between the pons and the cerebellum and continues with the central canal of the spinal cord. It has three openings: the median aperture (foramen of Magendie) and two lateral apertures (foramina of Luschka), through which CSF enters the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Function

The primary function of the cerebral ventricles is to produce and circulate CSF, which is created by the choroid plexus located within the ventricles. CSF plays a crucial role in protecting the brain by acting as a shock absorber, removing waste products, and providing a stable chemical environment.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the size, shape, or function of the cerebral ventricles can lead to conditions such as hydrocephalus, which is characterized by an excessive accumulation of CSF in the ventricles, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potentially damaging the brain tissues. Other conditions include ventriculitis, an inflammation of the ventricles, and intraventricular hemorrhage, which is bleeding into the ventricles.

See Also

• Brain anatomy
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Hydrocephalus