Tela choroidea

Illustration of the human brain ventricles.

The tela choroidea is a structure within the brain that plays a vital role in the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is a thin, delicate membrane that is found within the ventricles of the brain.

Anatomy

The tela choroidea is primarily located in the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles of the brain. It consists of two layers of tissue:

• Pia Mater Layer: The inner layer of the tela choroidea is composed of pia mater, a thin and highly vascularized membrane that covers the brain's surface.

• Choroid Plexus Layer: The outer layer is made up of specialized cells known as choroid plexus epithelium. These cells are responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Function

The tela choroidea has several important functions:

• CSF Production: The choroid plexus within the tela choroidea produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear and colorless fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. CSF provides buoyancy to the brain and helps to cushion it from mechanical forces.

• CSF Circulation: CSF is continuously produced by the choroid plexus and circulates through the ventricles of the brain and around the central nervous system. It is eventually absorbed into the bloodstream.

• Barrier Function: The pia mater layer of the tela choroidea acts as a barrier that helps regulate the passage of substances between the bloodstream and the CSF, protecting the brain from harmful agents.

Clinical Significance

Issues related to the tela choroidea, such as inflammation or obstruction of the CSF circulation, can have clinical implications. Conditions like hydrocephalus, which involves an accumulation of CSF, may require medical intervention to alleviate pressure on the brain.

Research and Study

The tela choroidea and its role in CSF production and circulation are subjects of ongoing research in neuroscience and neurology. Understanding its function is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological conditions.

Summary

The tela choroidea (or tela chorioidea) is a region of meningeal pia mater that adheres to the underlying ependyma, and gives rise to the choroid plexus in each of the brain's four ventricles. Tela is Latin for woven and is used to describe a web-like membrane or layer. The tela choroidea is a very thin part of the loose connective tissue of pia mater overlying and closely adhering to the ependyma. It has a rich blood supply. The ependyma and vascular pia mater – the tela choroidea, form regions of minute projections known as a choroid plexus that projects into each ventricle. The choroid plexus produces most of the cerebrospinal fluid of the central nervous system that circulates through the ventricles of the brain, the central canal of the spinal cord, and the subarachnoid space. .

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