Cerebral ventricles: anatomy, characteristics and functions
Our brain is a complex organ, formed by a large number of different structures that allow the realization of many different 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 .
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The ventricular system: definition and origin
The cerebral ventricles are a series of structures located inside the brain that they are interconnected forming the known as vestibular system . The ventricles themselves would be enlargements of said system that form a series of cavities lined with ependyma.
Within the ventricular system most of the cerebrospinal fluid originates (it is estimated that something more than 60%), specifically in the structures and ependymal cells of the choroid plexus.
The ventricular system Originates in the fetus during the third trimester pregnancy week , evolving from the central channel of the neural tube. It consists of a total of four ventricles and the different channels that communicate them.
- Related article: "Cerebrospinal fluid: composition, functions and disorders"
Components of the ventricular system
There are a total of four cerebral ventricles, interconnected between them by various channels and openings.
In the upper part and just below the corpus callosum we found the lateral ventricles , a pair of twin ventricles that are found along the cerebral hemispheres. It is in these ventricles that we can mostly find the choroidal plexus, where most of the cerebrospinal fluid is generated.
These they communicate through the ventricular orifice of Monro with the third ventricle , which is located below the thalamus. Finally, the third and fourth ventricle (located between the brainstem and the cerebellum) communicate through the cerebral or Silvio aqueduct.
The fourth ventricle connects with the spinal cord through the ependymal channel , which travels through the entire marrow 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 holes of Luschka and Magendie with the arachnoid, thus allowing the cerebrospinal fluid to be distributed throughout the brain.
Functions of the cerebral ventricles
The ventricles in the brain and the ventricular system in general may seem like a residue of development that does not have many functions, but in reality these are elements of great importance in maintaining the health and state of the brain.
Some of the main functions they have are the following.
1. Production of cerebrospinal fluid
It is the main function of the cerebral ventricles . Although it is also secreted in small amounts by other structures such as the subarachnoid space, in general, most of the cerebrospinal fluid that we possess is secreted by the choroidal plexuses of the ventricular system.
This fluid offers a means by which the brain removes waste from its activity while allowing to create a stable environment for the functioning of the neurons, and even contribute to nourish and facilitate the functioning of the cells. It also allows the brain to float, reducing its weight, while helping to protect it from external agents and damages. Finally, it allows the level of internal pressure of the brain to remain stable.
2. Contribute to keep the brain healthy
The choroid plexuses, in addition to producing cerebrospinal fluid, help to prevent harmful external substances from affecting it and reaching the rest of the brain through it, so that contribute to keep the brain healthy .
3. Maintenance of the shape and structure of the brain
The cerebral ventricles they can be expanded to a large extent according to the needs of the organism . Although it may seem an unimportant function allows to maintain the structure of the brain and its interconnections. In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid that is produced in them helps keep the brain in flotation and reduce the level of intracranial pressure.
Alterations caused by various disorders
As we mentioned, one of the functions of the ventricles is maintain the shape and stability of the encephalon assembly . In fact, in various disorders in which loss of neuronal mass occurs, the cerebral ventricles expand to occupy the free space.Below are some of the alterations that cause some kind of effect on the cerebral ventricles.
Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease produces throughout its development a deterioration and death of a large number of neurons, decreasing neuronal density as the disorder progresses. The unoccupied space is filled by the ventricles , which expand to take the place.
- Related article: "Alzheimer's: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention"
Schizophrenia
Several studies have shown that many people with schizophrenia have larger ventricles.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus in a disorder characterized by an excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid, an imbalance between production and reabsorption or by a poor circulation of this through the ventricles or their interconnections. It is a very serious problem that can cause severe sequelae or even cause death of the subject due to the compression of the cerebral structures.
- Related article: "Hydrocephalus: causes, types and treatments"
Ventriculitis
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, the infection of the ventricles can generate alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid or in the vascular system, which can end up causing encephalitis.
Bibliographic references:
- Kandel, E.R .; Schwartz, J.H .; Jessell, T.M. (2001). Principles of Neuroscience. Madrid: McGraw Hill.
