2.2 Ventricular System

Vocabulary flashcards covering the ventricular system anatomy, cerebrospinal fluid production, circulation pathways, resorption, cisterns, and clinical applications from HUBS2103.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord to provide hydromechanical protection, maintain interstitial fluid homeostasis, regulate electrolyte balance, circulate active molecules (such as vitamins, growth factors, and leptin), and eliminate metabolic waste products.

Choroid plexus

Specialized vascular tissue lining the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles of the brain responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Lateral ventricles

Two C-shaped, CSF-filled cavities located within the cerebral hemispheres.

Third ventricle

A narrow midline ventricle filled with CSF located between the right and left thalamus.

Fourth ventricle

A tent-shaped cavity of the ventricular system located between the pons and the cerebellum.

Interventricular foramina

Channels that connect each lateral ventricle to the third ventricle, allowing the passage of CSF.

Cerebral aqueduct

A narrow conduit passing through the midbrain that connects the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle.

Apertures of the fourth ventricle

Openings consisting of two lateral apertures and one median aperture that allow CSF to exit the fourth ventricle and enter the subarachnoid space.

Central canal

A microscopic, CSF-filled channel running caudally through the center of the spinal cord from the fourth ventricle.

Subarachnoid space

The interval between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater through which CSF circulates around the cerebral hemispheres to cushion the brain from sudden head movements.

Arachnoid granulations

Small protrusions of the arachnoid mater that project into the dural venous sinuses (such as the superior sagittal sinus) to facilitate the slow diffusion and resorption of CSF into the venous system.

Superior sagittal sinus

A major dural venous sinus along the dorsal midline of the brain into which CSF is drained and resorbed via arachnoid granulations.

Subarachnoid cisterns

Enlarged anatomical pockets or pools of CSF within the subarachnoid space, including the cisterna magna, interpeduncular cistern, pontine cistern, and superior (quadrigeminal) cistern.

Cisterna magna

The largest subarachnoid cistern, located between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata, which can serve as an alternative site for direct CSF collection.

Interpeduncular cistern

A subarachnoid cistern situated at the base of the brain between the cerebral peduncles.

Pontine cistern

A subarachnoid cistern located on the anterior and ventral surface of the pons.

Hydrocephalus

A condition resulting from obstructions in CSF flow or resorption, characterized clinically by pathological enlargement of the ventricles, classified into internal or external hydrocephalus.

Lumbar puncture

A clinical procedure in which direct access is gained to the vertebral canal via a needle inserted between the lumbar vertebrae to collect CSF for disease assessment or inject anaesthetics for childbirth and sub-umbilical surgeries.

Age-related decreased CSF turnover

A reduction in CSF circulation and exchange associated with aging, leading to the accumulation of brain metabolic wastes, peroxidation products, and glycosylated proteins.