The ventricular system is a set of four connected cavities inside the brain that make cerebrospinal fluid and channel it through the brain. Fluid made mostly by the choroid plexus flows from the two lateral ventricles to the third ventricle, through the cerebral aqueduct to the fourth ventricle, and then out into the subarachnoid space. It continues down as the central canal of the spinal cord.
| Location | Within the brain: lateral ventricles in the cerebral hemispheres, third ventricle in the diencephalon, cerebral aqueduct in the midbrain and fourth ventricle between the pons, medulla and cerebellum |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Anterior choroidal artery; Posterior choroidal arteries; Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (fourth ventricle choroid plexus) |
Produces and circulates cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain, keeps its chemical environment stable and removes waste.
A blockage anywhere in the ventricular system causes obstructive (non-communicating) hydrocephalus, with enlargement of the ventricles above the block. Impaired absorption causes communicating hydrocephalus. Treatments include ventriculoperitoneal shunts, external ventricular drains and endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Ventricle size on imaging is a key indicator of raised pressure or brain atrophy.
Build-up of cerebrospinal fluid above a blockage in the ventricular system, causing headache, vomiting, drowsiness and papilloedema.
Enlarged ventricles in older adults with gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and cognitive decline, sometimes improved by shunting.
Bleeding into the ventricles, common in premature infants and after adult brain haemorrhage, which can block CSF flow.
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