VENTRICULUS QUARTUS Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "ventriculus quartus" refers to the fourth ventricle, a structure located in the brain.
The brain has a system of interconnected fluid-filled spaces called ventricles, which play a crucial role in the production, circulation, and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds and protects the central nervous system.
Specifically, the ventriculus quartus is the fourth and last ventricle in this system, situated towards the back of the brainstem, behind the pons and the medulla oblongata. It is diamond-shaped, with its anterior end connected to the cerebral aqueduct and its posterior end opening into the central canal of the spinal cord.
The ventriculus quartus is lined with a specialized type of ependymal cells, which is responsible for the production and secretion of CSF. It also contains choroid plexus, a highly vascular structure that filters blood plasma to form CSF.
The fourth ventricle acts as a reservoir for CSF and serves as a passageway for its flow throughout the brain and spinal cord. It also plays a role in cushioning the brain against external forces and providing essential nutrients to the surrounding neural tissues.
Anatomically, this structure is crucial in understanding and diagnosing various brain pathologies, such as hydrocephalus (a build-up of CSF), tumors, or obstructions that can disrupt the normal flow and circulation of CSF, leading to neurological symptoms.
-
Fourth ventricle, a cavity of roughly rhomboidal shape in the brain, the floor, or anterior wall, of which is formed by the dorsal surface of the pons and medulla; it is continuous below with the central canal of the spinal cord, anteriorly with the aqueduct of Sylvius.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VENTRICULUS QUARTUS
- v entriculus quartus
- ve ntriculus quartus
- ven triculus quartus
- vent riculus quartus
- ventr iculus quartus
- ventri culus quartus
- ventric ulus quartus
- ventricu lus quartus
- ventricul us quartus
- ventriculu s quartus
- ventriculus q uartus
- ventriculus qu artus
- ventriculus qua rtus
- ventriculus quar tus
- ventriculus quart us
- ventriculus quartu s
Etymology of VENTRICULUS QUARTUS
The word "ventriculus quartus" comes from Latin.
- "Ventriculus" is derived from the Latin word "venter", which means "belly" or "stomach". In this case, "ventriculus" refers to a small or secondary cavity.
- "Quartus" is the Latin word for "fourth".
Therefore, "ventriculus quartus" literally translates to "fourth ventricle" in English. It is a term commonly used in anatomy to refer to a fluid-filled cavity in the brainstem.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
