Medullary striae of the fourth ventricle

Medullary striae of the fourth ventricle

The medullary striae of the fourth ventricle are a set of delicate white lines that can be observed on the floor of the fourth ventricle in the brain. These striae are formed by the fibers of the stria medullaris, which is a part of the brain's limbic system.

Anatomy

The fourth ventricle is a fluid-filled cavity located in the hindbrain, between the pons and the cerebellum. It is one of the interconnected ventricles that make up the brain's ventricular system. The floor of the fourth ventricle is formed by the rhomboid fossa, which is a diamond-shaped depression on the posterior surface of the brainstem.

The medullary striae are located on the floor of the fourth ventricle, running in a longitudinal direction. They are composed of myelinated fibers that originate from the stria medullaris, a bundle of axons that arises from the habenular nuclei of the brain.

Function

The medullary striae play a role in the limbic system, which is involved in emotions, memory, and motivation. The stria medullaris, from which the medullary striae arise, is a major pathway that connects the habenular nuclei with other limbic structures, such as the septal nuclei and the hypothalamus.

The exact function of the medullary striae is not fully understood, but it is believed that they are involved in the regulation of emotional and motivational behaviors. Studies have shown that lesions or disruptions in the medullary striae can lead to alterations in emotional responses and reward processing.

Clinical Significance

The medullary striae are not commonly associated with specific clinical conditions or disorders. However, abnormalities in the limbic system, to which the medullary striae belong, have been implicated in various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and addiction.

See also

• Fourth ventricle
• Limbic system
• Habenular nuclei
• Stria medullaris