Cerebral ventricles: anatomy, characteristics and functions.

These spaces and channels filled with cerebrospinal fluid protect the brain from the inside.

Our encephalon is a complex organ, formed by a large number of different structures that allow the realization 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, i.e. the network of cerebral ventricles, the network of cerebral ventricles..

The ventricular system: definition and origin

The ventricles of the brain are a series of structures located inside the brain that are interconnected to form the network of ventricles. are interconnected to form what is known as the vestibular system.. The ventricles themselves are enlargements of the vestibular system that form a series of cavities lined with an epenthesis.

Within the ventricular system most of the cerebrospinal fluid (estimated to be slightly more than 60%) originates (estimated to be slightly more than 60%), specifically in the ependymal structures and cells of the choroid plexus.

The ventricular system originates in the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy.evolving from the central canal of the neural tube. It is composed of a total of four ventricles and the different channels that communicate them.

Components of the ventricular system

There are a total of four cerebral ventricles, interconnected with each other by various channels and openings.

In the upper part and just below the corpus callosum lateral ventricles, a pair of twin ventriclesThe lateral ventricles, a pair of twin ventricles that lie along the cerebral hemispheres, are located at the top and just below the corpus callosum. It is in these ventricles where we can mostly find the choroid plexuses, where most of the cerebrospinal fluid is generated.

These communicate through the interventricular orifice or Monro's orifice with the third ventricle, which is located below the thalamus.which is located below the thalamus. Finally, the third and fourth ventricle (located between the brain stem and the cerebellum) communicate through the cerebral aqueduct or aqueduct of Sylvius.

The fourth ventricle connects with the spinal cord through the ependymal canalThe fourth ventricle is connected to the spinal cord through the ependymal canal, which runs along the entire medulla and allows cerebrospinal fluid to flow through it to its end in the so-called terminal ventricle.

The fourth ventricle also connects through the orifices of Luschka and Magendie with the arachnoid with the arachnoid, thus allowing cerebrospinal fluid to be distributed throughout the brain.

Functions of the cerebral ventricles

The ventricles of the brain and the ventricular system in general may appear to be a developmental leftover that does not have many functions, but in reality they are very important elements in maintaining the health and condition of the brain.

Some of their main functions are as follows.

1. Cerebrospinal fluid production

This is the main function of the ventricles of the brain.. Although it is also secreted in small quantities by other structures such as the subarachnoid space, in general most of the cerebrospinal fluid we possess is secreted by the choroid plexuses of the ventricular system.

This fluid provides a means by which the brain eliminates wastes from its activity while creating a stable environment for neurons to function, which in turn provides the for the functioning of neurons, and even contributes 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. Finally, it allows the brain's internal pressure level to remain stable.

2. They contribute to keeping the brain healthy

The choroid plexuses, in addition to producing cerebrospinal fluid, help to prevent harmful external substances from affecting the cerebrospinal fluid and reaching the rest of the brain through it. contribute to keeping the brain healthy.

3. Maintaining the shape and structure of the brain

The ventricles of the brain can expand to a large extent according to the needs of the organism.. Although this may seem an unimportant function, it allows the structure of the brain and its interconnections to be maintained. In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid produced in them helps to 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 to maintain the shape and stability of the whole brain. maintain the shape and stability of the brain as a whole.. In fact, in various disorders in which there is a loss of neuronal mass, the cerebral ventricles expand to occupy the free space. The following are some of the disorders that have 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 occupy the space.which expand to fill the space.

Schizophrenia

Studies have shown that many people with 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 compression of the of the subject due to the compression of the cerebral structures.

Ventriculitis

It is a disorder that is based on the inflammation of the cerebral ventricles. As with meningitis, this inflammation can be dangerous because of 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.