Neurulation, Neuronal Development, and Synaptogenesis

Ventricular system

Series of interconnected, fluid-filled spaces containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Meninges

Protective membranes surrounding the brain

Blood-Brain Barrier

Barrier that restricts the movement of substances from blood vessels into brain cells

Choroid plexus

Modified vascular structure lining the ventricles that produces CSF by filtering blood

Septum pellucidum

Thin membrane separating the frontal horns and body of the left and right ventricles

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid produced by the choroid plexus that circulates through the ventricles and subarachnoid space

Foramen of Magendie

Midline opening that drains CSF from the fourth ventricle to the subarachnoid space

Foramina of Luschka

Lateral openings that drain CSF from the fourth ventricle to the subarachnoid space

Arachnoid granulations

Specialized portions of the arachnoid that protrude into the superior sagittal sinus and return CSF to the venous circulation

Hydrocephalus

Abnormal buildup of CSF in the ventricles due to an obstruction

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Surgical procedure that relieves buildup of CSF by draining it into the peritoneal cavity

Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

Neurodegenerative disease that causes shrinkage of the brain and atrophy of neurons

Superior sagittal sinus

Sinus that runs along the dorsal midline of the brain, draining venous blood

Internal carotid arteries

Arteries that ascend up the sides of the neck and branch into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries

Vertebral arteries

Arteries that ascend up each side of the cervical vertebrae and fuse together to form the basilar artery

Circle of Willis

Ring formed by the major cerebral arteries at the base of the brain, providing an alternate route for blood flow

Anterior cerebral artery (ACA)

Artery that supplies anterior regions of the basal ganglia and internal capsule

Middle cerebral artery (MCA)

Artery that supplies an extensive region of the central and lateral cerebral hemispheres

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA)

Artery that supplies posterior regions of the brain, including the posterior parietal lobe and occipital lobe

Glymphatic system

Lymphatic system in the brain that removes waste and aids in nutrient movement

Blood-brain barrier (BBB)

Barrier that restricts the movement of substances from blood vessels into brain cells

Astrocyte end feet

Extensions of astrocytes that surround the outside of capillary endothelial cells and play a role in the blood-brain barrier

Microcephaly

Condition in which the brain is smaller than expected due to a gene mutation

Neurons

Nerve cells responsible for receiving, integrating, and transmitting information

Glia

Nonneuronal brain cells that provide support to the neurons

Dendrites

Receptive extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons

Axon

Transmitting extension of a neuron that can extend far from the cell body