Ventricles
Ventricles are a group of structures within the brain that are responsible for the production, transport, and removal of cerebrospinal fluid, which bathes the central nervous system. The ventricular system is composed of 2 lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle. The choroid plexuses located in the ventricles produce the cerebrospinal fluid.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The ventricles of the brain are a communicating network of cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and located within the brain parenchyma. The ventricular system is composed of 2 lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle.
Lateral ventricles[edit | edit source]
The lateral ventricles are the two largest cavities of the ventricular system of the human brain and contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Each cerebral hemisphere contains a lateral ventricle, known as the first and second ventricle.
Third ventricle[edit | edit source]
The third ventricle is a narrow, funnel-shaped cavity in the brain, located in the diencephalon between the right and left thalamus. It is connected to the lateral ventricles and the fourth ventricle.
Fourth ventricle[edit | edit source]
The fourth ventricle is one of the four connected fluid-filled cavities within the human brain. It is located within the pons or in the upper part of the medulla oblongata.
Function[edit | edit source]
The ventricles play a vital role in the brain's functioning by producing cerebrospinal fluid. The CSF provides buoyancy and protection, as well as metabolic fuel and components for the brain.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Abnormalities or damage to the ventricles can lead to conditions such as hydrocephalus, where there is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD