Cerebral Ventricles: Anatomy, Characteristics And Functions
Our brain is a complex organ, made up of a large number of different structures that allow the performance of very diverse functions.
One of the various systems that are part of the brain and that allow its structuring and maintenance is the cerebral ventricular system, that is, The network of cerebral ventricles
The cerebral ventricles are a series of structures located inside the brain that They are interconnected forming what is known as the vestibular system The ventricles themselves would be enlargements of said system that form a series of cavities lined with ependyma.
Inside the ventricular system most of the cerebrospinal fluid originates (it is estimated that just over 60%), specifically in the ependymal structures and cells of the choroid plexuses.
The ventricular system originates in the fetus during the third trimester week of pregnancy, evolving from the central canal of the neural tube. It is made up of a total of four ventricles and the different channels that connect them.
Components of the ventricular system
There are a total of four cerebral ventricles, interconnected with each other by various channels and openings.
At the top and just below the corpus callosum we find the lateral ventricles, a pair of twin ventricles found along the cerebral hemispheres. It is in these ventricles that we can mostly find the choroid plexuses, where most of the cerebrospinal fluid is generated.
These They communicate through the interventricular orifice or Monro’s orifice with the third ventricle, which is located below the thalamus. Finally, the third and fourth ventricles (located between the brain stem and the cerebellum) communicate through the cerebral or Sylvian aqueduct.
The fourth ventricle connects to the spinal cord through the ependymal canal which runs through the entire spinal cord and allows the cerebrospinal fluid to flow through it to its end in what is known as the terminal ventricle.
The fourth ventricle It also connects through the Luschka and Magendie foramina with the arachnoid, thus allowing the cerebrospinal fluid to distribute throughout the brain.
Functions of the cerebral ventricles
The cerebral ventricles and the ventricular system in general may seem like a remnant of development that does not have many functions, but in reality they are elements of great importance in maintaining the health and condition of the brain.
Some of the main functions they have are the following.
1. Production of cerebrospinal fluid
This is the main function of the cerebral ventricles Although it is also secreted in small quantities by other structures such as the subarachnoid space, in general most of the cerebrospinal fluid we have is secreted by the choroid plexuses of the ventricular system.
This fluid provides a means by which the brain eliminates waste from its activity while creating a stable environment for the functioning of neurons, and even contribute to nourishing and facilitating the functioning of cells. It also allows the brain to float, reducing its weight, while helping to protect it from external agents and damage. Lastly, it allows the brain’s internal pressure level to remain stable.
The choroid plexuses, in addition to producing cerebrospinal fluid, help prevent harmful external substances from affecting it and reaching the rest of the brain through it, so that help keep the brain healthy
3. Maintenance of the shape and structure of the brain
The cerebral ventricles They can expand greatly according to the needs of the organism Although it may seem like an unimportant function, it allows you to maintain the structure of the brain and its interconnections. In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid produced in them helps keep the brain buoyant and reduce the level of intracranial pressure.
Alterations produced by various disorders
As we have mentioned, one of the functions of the ventricles is maintain the shape and stability of the entire brain In fact, in various disorders in which there is loss of neuronal mass, the cerebral ventricles expand to occupy the free space. Below are some of the alterations that cause some type of effect on the cerebral ventricles.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease causes deterioration and death of a large number of neurons throughout its development, decreasing neuronal density as the disorder progresses. The unoccupied space is filled by the ventricles which expand to occupy the place.
Schizophrenia
Various studies have shown that many people who suffer from schizophrenia have larger ventricles.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a disorder characterized by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid, an imbalance between production and reabsorption, or poor circulation of cerebrospinal fluid through the ventricles or their interconnections. This is a very serious problem that can cause severe sequelae or even death of the subject due to the compression of brain structures.
It is a disorder that is based on inflammation of the cerebral ventricles. As with meningitis, this inflammation can be dangerous due to the pressure exerted by the ventricles against the rest of the nervous system. In addition, infection of the ventricles can generate alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid or vascular system, which can end up causing encephalitis.
