Ventricular System

What is the ventricular system

A series of interconnected cavities within the brain that contain and circulate CSF.

List the features of the 2 lateral ventricles

Ant, post and inf horn, body

What is the third ventricle

A narrow , slit like cavity in the midline between the thalami

Where is the 4th ventricle

On the dorsal surface of the brain stem beneath cerebellum.

What does the 4th ventricle communicate with inferiorly

The central canal of the spinal cord.

How do lateral ventricles communicate with the 3rd ventricle

Via the interventricular foramina

What are the lateral apertures and what is their function.

Two openings from the 4th ventricle into the subarachnoid space. Allows CSF to flow around the bran and spinal cord

What is the cerebral aqueduct

Passes through the length of the midbrain and communicates with 3rd and 4th ventricles.

What is the median aperture

Opening in the roof of the 4th ventricle connecting to subarachnoid space. It is the main pathway for CSF to flow into cisterna magna.

Where is CSF produced

In the choroid plexus of the ventriclesW

What is the choroid plexus

A vascular network of capillaries and ependymal cells that produce CSF.

Where is the CSF reabsorbed into the blood stream

Through arachnoid villi into the sup saggital sinus

What is hydrocephalus

Abnormal accumulation of CSF within ventricular system

What are the 3 main cases of hydrocephalus

Overproduction obstruction, decreased absorption

What are common sites of obstruction

Cerebral aqueduct, median/lateral apertures, subarachnoid space.

What is communicating hydrocephalus

Impaired absoprtion of CSF

What can reduce CSF absoprtion

Too few arachnoid villi are formed
Post-infective scarring
Blood or debris blocking villi

Ant horn location:
Post horn location:
Inf horn location:
Body of lateral ventricles located:

Frontal lobe
Occipital lobe
Temporal lobe
Parietal lobe

Where are the lateral ventricles located

One in each cerebral hemisphere.

Describe the flow of CSF

From ventricles into arachnoid spaces. Through arachnoid villi. Into sup sagittal sinues where the fluid is again called blood.

List the contents of CSF

Lymphocytes
Water
Ions
Glucose, protiens, lactic acid and urea