Ventricular system | |
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![]() Ventricular system anatomy | |
![]() Rotating 3D rendering of the four ventricles and connections | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | ventriculi cerebri |
MeSH | D002552 |
NeuroNames | 2497 |
FMA | 242787 |
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy |
In neuroanatomy, the ventricular system is a set of four interconnected cavities known as cerebral ventricles in the brain.[1][2] Within each ventricle is a region of choroid plexus which produces the circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The ventricular system is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord from the fourth ventricle,[3] allowing for the flow of CSF to circulate.[3][4]
All of the ventricular system and the central canal of the spinal cord are lined with ependyma, a specialised form of epithelium connected by tight junctions that make up the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier.[2]
The ventricular system is an elaboration of the lumen of cephalic portions of the neural tube, and its development parallels that of the brain.
The ventricles contain the choroid plexus, which produces CSF, and serve as conduits for CSF flow in the CNS. Ventricular walls are lined with ependymal cells, which are connected by tight junctions and constitute a CSF-brain barrier.
The ventricular system arises from the hollow space within the developing neural tube and gives rise to cisterns within the CNS, from the brain to the spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal fluid flows in bulk from sites of production to sites of absorption. Fluid formed in the lateral ventricles flows through the paired interventricular foramina (foramen of Monro) into the third ventricle, then through the mesencephalic aqueduct (aqueduct of Sylvius) into the fourth ventricle. The majority of CSF exits from the fourth ventricle into the subarachnoid space; a small amount may enter the central canal of the spinal cord.