Anatomy and Physiology: Brain Ventricles and Meninges

Introduction

Definition: Fluid-filled chambers within the brain
Models Demonstration:
- Lateral Ventricles: Right and left, positioned around the thalamus
- Interventricular Foramen: Connects lateral ventricles to the third ventricle
- Third Ventricle: Located within the thalamus and hypothalamus, described as a moose head shape
- Cerebral Aqueduct: Connects the third and fourth ventricles
- Fourth Ventricle: Located near the brainstem
Fluid Flow:
- Begins in lateral ventricles → to third ventricle via interventricular foramen
- Through cerebral aqueduct to the fourth ventricle
Choroid Plexus:
- Specialized capillaries filter cerebrospinal fluid
- Represented by pink areas on models

Definition: Protective coverings of the brain
Layers:
- Dura Mater: Outermost layer
- Arachnoid Mater: Middle layer, features subdural space
- Pia Mater: Innermost layer, adheres to brain surface
Spaces:
- Subdural Space: Between dura mater and arachnoid mater
- Subarachnoid Space: Contains cerebrospinal fluid
Arachnoid Granulations:
- Protrusions through dura mater, assist in drainage of cerebrospinal fluid
Structures:
- Falx Cerebri: Dural fold between cerebral hemispheres
- Tentorium Cerebelli: Separates cerebellum from cerebrum, tent-like structure
- Falx Cerebelli: Divides the two hemispheres of the cerebellum
- Superior Sagittal Sinus: large venous channel running along the top of the head
- Inferior Sagittal Sinus: Situated above the corpus callosum

Meninges Model:
- Illustrates vascular nature and arachnoid granulations
Handle Head Model:
- Represents the meninges without the brain
- Illustrates dura mater as a lining

Focus on understanding the spatial relationship and flow of cerebrospinal fluid through ventricles
Learn the layers and spaces between the meninges
Repeat structures and their functions/pronunciations