Notes on Brain Ventricles

Overview

• Discussion of fluid-filled cavities within the brain known as ventricles.

Lateral Ventricles

• Definition: Two lateral ventricles containing cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
• Parts:
  • Anterior Horn
  • Posterior Horn
  • Inferior Horn

Choroid Plexus

• Function: Produces cerebral spinal fluid.
• Appearance: Pink gummy substance.
• Location: Present in both lateral ventricles.
• Ependymal Cells: Help circulate the CSF throughout the ventricles.

Interventricular Foramen

• Definition: Tube connecting the two lateral ventricles to the third ventricle.

Septum Pellucidum

• Definition: Thin membrane that separates the two lateral ventricles.

Third Ventricle

• Definition: Receives drainage from lateral ventricles via the interventricular foramen.
• Choroid Plexus: Also produces CSF here.
• Cerebral Aqueduct: Drains the third ventricle into the fourth ventricle.

Fourth Ventricle

• Components: Contains a choroid plexus that produces CSF.

Drainage Paths for Cerebrospinal Fluid

• Central Canal: CSF can flow into the spinal cord.
• Lateral Apertures:
  • Known as foramen of Luschka.
• Median Aperture:
  • Also known as foramen of Magendie.
• Function: These apertures drain CSF from the fourth ventricle into the subarachnoid space.