What is the Ventricular System?

Update Date: 2024-06-14 Source: Network

The ventricular system is a system of chambers within the brain parenchyma, consisting of four ventricles. The largest ventricles are the first and second ventricles, one on each side of the brain, and the third and fourth ventricles are located in the midline. If any part of the ventricular system is obstructed, it can lead to obstructive hydrocephalus, which can be very dangerous.

1. The ventricular system consists of the lateral ventricles, the third ventricle within the diencephalon, the cerebral aqueduct within the mesencephalon, the fourth ventricle within the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata, as well as the central canal within the spinal cord. These ventricles are interconnected and filled with cerebrospinal fluid, collectively forming the ventricular system.

2. The outermost layer of the brain is the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, which is composed of 14 billion neuronal cell bodies and is approximately 3.5mm thick. The surface of the cerebral cortex is irregular, with concave sulci and convex gyri. Beneath the cerebral cortex is the white matter. There are also several cavities or ventricles in the central region of the brain. As brain neurons age and die, the brain becomes lighter and smaller in volume. CT scans can reveal a reduction in brain volume, widening of sulci, thinning of gyri, and enlargement of ventricles, indicating brain atrophy.

3. Ventricular enlargement can be caused by several factors, including hydrocephalus and degenerative changes in brain neurons. This condition is uncommon in young individuals and requires further investigation.