ventricular system development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the brain ventricular system over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The brain ventricular system consists of four communicating cavities within the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord. These cavities include two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle and the fourth ventricle. Cerebrospinal fluid fills the ventricles and is produced by the choroid plexus. [GO_REF:0000021, GOC:cls, GOC:dgh, GOC:dph, GOC:jid, ISBN:0838580343]

The ventricular system, a complex network of interconnected cavities within the brain, plays a crucial role in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production, circulation, and removal. Its development is a tightly orchestrated process that begins early in embryonic life and continues throughout gestation.

The ventricular system arises from the neural tube, the embryonic precursor to the central nervous system. As the neural tube closes, its lumen expands to form the four primary ventricles: the lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, the fourth ventricle, and the cerebral aqueduct connecting the third and fourth ventricles.

**Early Stages of Ventricular Development:**

* **Neural tube formation:** The neural tube, the foundation of the central nervous system, develops from the ectoderm during the third week of human gestation. The lumen of the neural tube will eventually form the ventricular system.
* **Neuroepithelial cells:** The inner lining of the neural tube is composed of neuroepithelial cells, which are pluripotent and capable of differentiating into various cell types, including neurons, glial cells, and ependymal cells. These cells are responsible for forming the ventricular walls and lining.
* **Expansion of the lumen:** As the neural tube closes, the lumen expands, forming the central canal of the spinal cord and the ventricular cavities of the brain.

**Formation of the Primary Ventricles:**

* **Lateral ventricles:** These paired ventricles, the largest in the brain, develop from the expansion of the lumen in the telencephalon (forebrain). They are C-shaped structures with two horns (anterior and posterior) and a body.
* **Third ventricle:** The third ventricle forms from the expansion of the lumen in the diencephalon (midbrain). It connects to the lateral ventricles through the interventricular foramina (foramina of Monro).
* **Fourth ventricle:** The fourth ventricle develops from the expansion of the lumen in the rhombencephalon (hindbrain). It connects to the third ventricle through the cerebral aqueduct and to the central canal of the spinal cord.

**Development of the Choroid Plexus:**

* **Choroid plexus formation:** During the second trimester, specialized capillaries and ependymal cells in the ventricular walls give rise to the choroid plexus, a network of vascular structures responsible for producing CSF.
* **CSF production:** The choroid plexus filters blood and produces CSF, which flows through the ventricles and surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

**Ventricular Development and Neural Cell Differentiation:**

* **Ependymal cells:** The ventricular walls are lined by ependymal cells, specialized epithelial cells that contribute to CSF production and circulation.
* **Neurogenesis:** Neural stem cells in the ventricular zones of the developing brain give rise to neurons and glial cells, which migrate to various regions of the brain.
* **Glial cell development:** Glial cells, including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, develop from progenitors in the ventricular zones and play crucial roles in supporting and regulating neural function.

**Ventricular Development and Brain Morphogenesis:**

* **Ventricular size and shape:** The size and shape of the ventricular system are critical for brain morphogenesis, determining the overall form and structure of the brain.
* **Ventricular fluid dynamics:** The flow of CSF through the ventricles influences brain development and function by providing nutrients, removing waste products, and regulating pressure within the brain.

**Disruptions in Ventricular Development:**

* **Hydrocephalus:** A condition where CSF accumulates in the ventricles, causing increased pressure on the brain. This can be caused by various factors, including obstruction of the flow of CSF, overproduction of CSF, or impaired absorption of CSF.
* **Neural tube defects:** Defects in neural tube closure can result in various birth defects, including anencephaly (absence of parts of the brain) and spina bifida (defects in the spinal cord).
* **Other disorders:** Other disorders affecting the ventricular system include Dandy-Walker malformation (an abnormal development of the fourth ventricle), holoprosencephaly (failure of the forebrain to divide completely), and ventriculomegaly (enlargement of the ventricles).

The development of the ventricular system is a complex and intricate process that is essential for brain development and function. Understanding the mechanisms underlying ventricular development is crucial for understanding brain development and for developing therapies for brain disorders.
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