Ventricles of the Brain & CSF Circulation

Flashcards about Ventricles of the brain & CSF circulation

What are the fluid-filled spaces in the core of the forebrain and brainstem called?

Cerebral Ventricles

Name the three main cerebral ventricles?

Lateral Ventricles, Third Ventricle, Fourth Ventricle

Which ventricles connect to the lateral ventricles?

Third Ventricle

What is responsible for connecting the lateral and third ventricles?

Interventricular foramen

What structure is located on the ventral surface of the lateral ventricles?

Thalamus and Basal ganglia

What structure is located on the dorsal surface of the lateral ventricles?

Corpus callosum

What structure is located on the medial surface of the lateral ventricles?

Septum pellucidum

Where is the third ventricle located?

Between the right and left thalamus

What structure does the third ventricle continues caudally to?

Cerebral aqueduct

Where does the cerebral aqueduct run through?

Midbrain

What ventricle does the cerebral aqueduct open into?

Fourth ventricle

What is the interventricular foramen also known as?

Foramen of Monro

What structures form the anterior surface of the fourth ventricle?

Pons and medulla

What forms the posterior surface of the fourth ventricle?

Cerebellum

What does the fourth ventricle narrow caudally to form?

Central canal of the spinal cord

What clear and almost cell-free fluid fills the ventricular system?

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Name one function of CSF.

Mechanical and immunological protection for the brain

Name one function of CSF.

Regulation of brain blood flow

Name a componenet of CSF.

Proteins, glucose and mononuclear cells

What produces the majority of CSF?

Choroid plexus (80%)

What is the approximate volume of CSF in adults?

90-150 ml

Where does CSF flow into from the fourth ventricle?

Subarachnoid space

How is CSF absorbed?

By arachnoid villi and lymph

Where does CSF drain into after being absorbed?

Venous system

What forms one of the blood-brain barriers?

Choroid Plexus

What blocks the passage of most molecules into the ventricles?

The tight ependymal layer

Where does CSF come from?

Capillaries

List the classic CSF circulation pathway.

Choroid Plexus -> Ventricles -> Subarachnoid space -> Arachnoid Villi -> Venous Sinuses