Lateral ventricle

Changed by Craig Hacking, 4 Nov 2019

Updates to Article Attributes

Body was changed:

The lateral ventricles are paired structuresCSF-filled spaces in the cerebrum and part of the ventricular system inof the brain. They are larger than the third or fourth ventricles, but can be asymmetrical, and each has three horns that project into the lobe after which they are named:

  • anterior/frontal horn: frontal lobe
  • posterior/occipital horn: occipital lobe
    • bilaterally well developed in only 12% of subjects 3
    • may be absent, poorly developed, asymmetrical
  • inferior/temporal horn: temporal lobe

CSF is produced in the choroid plexus located along the lateral walls of the lateral ventricles related to the choroid fissure and exits along the interventricular foramen (of Monro) into the third ventricle. The central part of the lateral ventricle is called the cella media. The posterior confluence of the occipital and temporal horns is called the trigone or atrium of the ventricles.

Related pathology

The volume of the lateral ventricles is known to increase with age due to cerebral involution. They may also be enlarged in a number of neurological conditions (e.g. schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) or pathologically enlarged as part of hydrocephalus. ​

See also

  • -<p>The <strong>lateral ventricles</strong> are paired structures and part of the <a href="/articles/ventricular-system">ventricular system</a> in the <a href="/articles/brain">brain</a>. They are larger than the <a href="/articles/third-ventricle">third</a> or <a href="/articles/fourth-ventricle">fourth ventricles</a>, but can be <a href="/articles/asymmetric-lateral-ventricles">asymmetrical</a>, and each has three horns that project into the lobe after which they are named:</p><ul>
  • +<p>The <strong>lateral ventricles</strong> are paired <a title="CSF" href="/articles/cerebrospinal-fluid-1">CSF</a>-filled spaces in the <a title="Cerebrum" href="/articles/cerebrum">cerebrum</a> and part of the <a href="/articles/ventricular-system">ventricular system</a> of the <a href="/articles/brain">brain</a>. They are larger than the <a href="/articles/third-ventricle">third</a> or <a href="/articles/fourth-ventricle">fourth ventricles</a>, but can be <a href="/articles/asymmetric-lateral-ventricles">asymmetrical</a>, and each has three horns that project into the lobe after which they are named:</p><ul>

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