HNN Topic 3 - Ventricular System and CSF Flashcards
Describe the production of CSF
Filtrate of blood produced by the choroid plexus in the ventricular system of the brain
How much CSF is produced/circulates?
500ml produced per day, about 140ml circulates
Where does CSF circulate?
In the subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord
What is the function of CSF?
Provides mechanical and immunological protection to the brain and spinal cord
Describe the path of CSF in the ventricular system
Lateral ventricles –> 3rd ventricle –> 4th ventricle
How does CSF travel from the lateral ventricles to the 3rd ventricle?
Through the interventricular foramen of Monro
How does CSF travel from the 3rd ventricle to the 4th ventricle
Through the cerebral aqueduct
Describe the position of the lateral ventricles
One per cerebral hemisphere (L + R)
Describe the structures which form the walls of the lateral ventricles
- L and R ventricles separated medially by the septum pellucidum
- Roof formed by the body of the corpus callosum
- Floor formed by the rostrum of the corpus callosum
- Lateral wall formed by the caudate nucleus
- Anterior wall formed by the genu of the corpus callosum
Describe the shape of the lateral ventricles
- C-shaped structure
- Inferior horn (in temporal lobe) -> body (in parietal/frontal lobe) -> interventricular foramen
- Posterior horn projects backwards into the occipital lobe
- Anterior horn projects further into frontal lobe
- Triangular area between occipital and temporal lobes = trigone
Describe the position of the 3rd ventricle
Between the L + R thalamus
Describe the position of the 4th ventricle
Lies within the brainstem, at the junction of the pons and the medulla oblongata
Where does CSF drain to after leaving the 4th ventricle?
- Central spinal canal - bathes the spinal cord
- Subarachnoid cisterns - bathes brain, between arachnoid and pia mater (where CSF is reabsorbed back into the circulation)
