Cerebral aqueduct

The cerebral aqueduct (aqueductus mesencephali, mesencephalic duct, sylvian aqueduct or aqueduct of Sylvius) is a conduit for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that connects the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle of the ventricular system of the brain. It is located in the midbrain dorsal to the pons and ventral to the cerebellum.[1] The cerebral aqueduct is surrounded by an enclosing area of gray matter called the periaqueductal gray, or central gray. It was first named after Franciscus Sylvius.

Cerebral aqueduct
Section through superior colliculus showing path of oculomotor nerve.
Drawing of a cast of the ventricular cavities, viewed from the side.
Details
Part ofVentricular system
Identifiers
Latinaqueductus mesencephali (cerebri).
aqueductus Sylvii
MeSHD002535
NeuroNames509
NeuroLex IDbirnlex_1261
TA98A14.1.06.501
TA25910
FMA78467
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Structure

Development

The cerebral aqueduct, as other parts of the ventricular system of the brain, develops from the central canal of the neural tube, and it originates from the portion of the neural tube that is present in the developing mesencephalon, hence the name "mesencephalic duct."[2]

Function

The cerebral aqueduct acts like a canal that passes through the midbrain. It connects the third ventricle with the fourth ventricle so that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) moves between the cerebral ventricles and the canal connecting these ventricles.[1]

Clinical significance

Aqueductal stenosis, a narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct, obstructs the flow of CSF and has been associated with non-communicating hydrocephalus. Such narrowing can be congenital, arise via tumor compression (e.g. pinealoblastoma), or through cyclical gliosis secondary to an initial partial obstruction.[1]

History

The cerebral aqueduct was first named after Franciscus Sylvius.[3]

Additional images
  • Transverse section through mid-brain; number 2 indicates the cerebral aqueduct.
  • Transverse section of mid-brain at level of inferior colliculi.
  • Transverse section of mid-brain at level of superior colliculi.
  • MRI section of mid-brain.
  • Median sagittal section of brain.
  • Scheme showing relations of the ventricles to the surface of the brain.
  • Cerebral aqueduct
  • Cerebral aqueduct
  • Cerebral peduncle, optic chasm, cerebral aqueduct. Inferior view. Deep dissection.
  • Cerebral peduncle, optic chasm, cerebral aqueduct. Inferior view. Deep dissection.
  • Cerebrum. Inferior view.Deep dissection

See also

References
  1. Rubino, Jessica; Hogg, Jeffery (31 July 2020). Neuroanatomy, cerebral aqueduct (Sylvian). Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing.
  2. Le, Tao; Bhushan, Vikas; Vasan, Neil (2010). First Aid for the USMLE Step 1: 2010 20th Anniversary Edition. USA: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. pp. 126. ISBN 978-0-07-163340-6.
  3. Kompanje, Erwin J. O. (1 January 2005). "An historical homage from Denmark: the aqueduct of Sylvius". Neurosurgical Review. 28 (1): 77–78. doi:10.1007/s10143-004-0361-6. ISSN 1437-2320.
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