ENTRIES A–Z
Philip Winn in Dictionary of Biological Psychology, 2003
(ii) Brain: The ventricles of the brain are cavities inside the brain that are filled with the CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF). They are lined with the ependyma consisting of a single layer of EPENDYMAL CELLS. The ventricular system is comprised of a pair of the lateral ventricles located in the CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES, the third ventricle located at the midline in the DIENCEPHALON, and the fourth ventricle located between the lower BRAINSTEM and CEREBELLUM. The lateral ventricle is the largest and is composed of the anterior horn, the body, the inferior horn and the posterior horn. The lateral ventricles communicate with the third ventricle through narrow passages called the interventricular FORAMINA OF MONRO. These foramina are used as reference points in radiographic studies. The slit-like third ventricle narrows into the CEREBRAL AQUEDUCT (AQUEDUCT OF SYLVIUS) in the MIDBRAIN, and then opens up as the fourth ventricle, a flat and diamond-shaped ventricle between the lower brainstem and cerebellum. At its widest part, a lateral recess communicates with the CISTERNA MAGNA or CEREBELLOMEDULLARY CISTERN, a large SUBARACHNOID SPACE (space between the ARACHNOID MEMBRANE and PIA MATER [see MENINGES]) posterior to the cerebellum. There is also a small median opening called the FORAMEN OF MAGENDIE. Caudally, the fourth ventricle is continuous with the CENTRAL CANAL of the SPINAL CORD. The CIRCUMVENTRICULAR ORGANS are present in the third and fourth ventricles. They usually lack the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and have a role in mediating direct actions of blood-borne substances on neurons.
Assessments while Gary was vegetative and minimally conscious
Barbara A. Wilson, Samira Kashinath Dhamapurkar, Anita Rose in Surviving Brain Damage After Assault, 2016
Gary was on medication for his epilepsy, which was well controlled. Nevertheless, he had two seizures, one 8 months and one 10 months post injury. His medication and his recovery patterns were regularly reviewed by the neuro-rehabilitation medical consultant. Gary also attended regular appointments at Kings College Hospital to monitor his shunt and to discuss his cranioplasty appointment. Five months after the assault, Gary had a CT scan, and the report stated, There is an extensive cranial defect in keeping with the history of operation given. A large proportion of the left frontal and temporoparietal regions have been removed with a corresponding bone defect. There is a VP (ventriculo peritoneal) shunt in a satisfactory position. There is no evidence of significant hydrocephalus although there is still some midline shift with compression of the left sided ventricular system. This all represents post-surgical change and nothing is identified as potentially new.
Cerebrovascular disease in the elderly patient
Wilbert S. Aronow, Jerome L. Fleg, Michael W. Rich in Tresch and Aronow’s Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly, 2019
Surgical management of intracranial hemorrhage is employed in certain instances. Shunting of fluid and removal of blood from the ventricular system can reduce intracranial pressure and prevent hydrocephalus. Surgical intervention does not benefit deep hemorrhage, but occasionally improvement is seen with removal of lobar hemorrhage (156,157). STITCH I failed to show benefit from surgery within 24 hours for deep and lobar hemorrhages. STICH II similarly failed to show benefit for lobar hemorrhages within 12 hours of onset (158,159). Currently, minimally invasive, stereotactic approaches to surgical management of ICH are being investigated. In cerebellar hemorrhage, surgical drainage of the hematoma can be performed without inordinate risk to prevent compression of the brain stem and death. Cerebellar hemorrhage presents initially with dizziness, headache, and ataxia that often rapidly progresses to somnolence and coma. Early recognition can improve the outcome considerably with surgery.
The great family of cerebral ventricles: Some intruders in the portrait gallery
Published in Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 2021
Régis Olry, Duane E. Haines
The ventricular system of the encephalon consists of “a series of interconnecting spaces and channels within the brain, which are derived from the central lumen of the embryonic neural tube and the cerebral vesicles to which it gives rise” (Standring 2016, 271). In other words, a brain ventricle may be defined as an enlarged cavity of embryonic origin, lined with ependymal cells and containing choroid plexus and moving cerebrospinal fluid. Taking this definition into account, neuroanatomists describe four cerebral ventricles: two lateral (telencephalic) ventricles, a third (diencephalic, V3) ventricle, and a fourth (rhombencephalic, V4) ventricle. However, other nooks of the central nervous system have also been referred to as ventricles in the past centuries: Rightly or wrongly is the question we will be debating in this article.
Association between subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced hydrocephalus and hydromyelia: pathophysiological changes developed in an experimental model
Published in Neurological Research, 2023
Anas Abdallah
Some studies have shown that abnormalities in the ependymal cells of the central channel vary depending on the cause of ventricular dilation in patients with hydrocephalus [20,21]. The central channel dilation is a consequence of hydrocephalus. The central channel acts as a complementary compartment of the ventricular system. Any changes in one will reflect in other compartments. However, in the hydrocephalus pathology, the integration between the ventricular system and the central channel, subependymal membrane rupture, and ventricular dilation-related ependymal cell degenerations has not been discussed sufficiently. Spinal SAH can lead to hydrocephalus and is characterized by normal or increased ICP [21,22].− Intraspinal epidural pressure is a reliable index of pathologies that increased the ICP such as SAIH and SAH [23,24]. This index reflects the pressure in the SAS, ventricular system, operative cavities, spinal canal, and other connecting compartments [21]. The SAH-induced spinal subdural hematoma can trigger hydromyelia [22].
The medieval cell doctrine: Foundations, development, evolution, and graphic representations in printed books from 1490 to 1630
Published in Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 2022
Douglas J. Lanska
In some versions, these faculties were specifically localized within the ventricular system, with the lateral ventricles considered collectively as the first cell, the third ventricle as the second cell, and the fourth ventricle as the third cell (Clarke and Dewhurst 1972). The first cell, which included the sensus communis or “common sense,” was believed to integrate sensations from the general and special senses, forming a conscious perception within the brain from the fleeting impressions of all of the sensory modalities constantly surveying the outside world. Mental images were created from these sensations with the faculties of imaginativa (imagination) and fantasia (fantasy), localized either to the posterior portion of the first cell or to the second. The second cell was primarily the seat of reason, incorporating the faculties of estimativa (judgment), cogitativa (thought), and/or ratio (reason). The third cell was the locus of memorativa (memory) and sometimes also of motiva (motion or motor control).