65. THE VENTRICULAR SYSTEM Flashcards
What is the ventricular system?
The ventricular system is a set of spaces within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What structures are primarily engaged in the ventricular system?
The structures primarily engaged in the ventricular system are the lateral ventricles, third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, and fourth ventricle.
What are the lateral ventricles?
The lateral ventricles are the largest ventricles found in the cerebral hemispheres. They are C-shaped and possess an anterior, posterior, and inferior horn.
What connects the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle?
The lateral ventricles are connected to the third ventricle through the interventricular foramen (of Monro).
Where is the third ventricle located?
The third ventricle is located in the diencephalon between the two halves of the thalamus.
What connects the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle?
The third ventricle is connected to the fourth ventricle through the cerebral aqueduct (of Sylvius).
What is the cerebral aqueduct?
The cerebral aqueduct is a narrow tube connecting the third and fourth ventricles. It traverses the midbrain and is a significant pathway for CSF flow.
Where is the fourth ventricle located?
The fourth ventricle is located between the cerebellum and pons and is diamond in shape.
How does the fourth ventricle open into the subarachnoid space?
The fourth ventricle opens into the subarachnoid space by the median aperture (of Magendie) and lateral apertures (of Luschka).
What is the choroid plexus?
The choroid plexus is a network of capillaries found in all four ventricles that produces CSF.
What is the function of the choroid plexus?
The choroid plexus produces CSF, which protects the brain, removes metabolic waste, and transports hormones.
What is the circulation path of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
CSF flows from the lateral ventricles through the interventricular foramen to the third ventricle, through the cerebral aqueduct to the fourth ventricle, and then into the subarachnoid space that covers the brain and spinal cord.
