Cerebral aqueduct
Template:Short description Template:Infobox brain The cerebral aqueduct (aqueduct of the midbrain, aqueduct of Sylvius, Sylvian aqueduct, mesencephalic duct) is a small, narrow tube connecting the third and fourth ventricles of the brain.<ref name="Sinnatamby-2011">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Rubino-2024">Template:Citation</ref> The cerebral aqueduct is a midline structure that passes through the midbrain. It extends rostrocaudally through the entirety of the more posterior part of the midbrain. It is surrounded by the periaqueductal gray (central gray), a layer of gray matter.<ref name="Standring-2020">Template:Cite book</ref>
Congenital stenosis of the cerebral aqueduct is a cause of congenital hydrocephalus.<ref name="Standring-2020" />
It is named for Franciscus Sylvius.
Anatomy
The cerebral aqueduct is roughly circular in transverse section, and measures 1-2 mm in diameter.<ref name="Standring-2020" /> It is 15 mm long and is commonly subdivided into a pars anterior antrum, and pars posterior.<ref name="Rubino-2024" />
Relations
Rostrally, it is continuous with the third ventricle, commencing just inferior to the posterior commissure.<ref name="Standring-2020" />
Caudally, it is continuous with the fourth ventricle at the junction of the mesencephalon and pons.<ref name="Standring-2020" />
The midbrain tegmentum is situated anteriorly to the cerebral aqueduct.<ref name="Standring-2020" /> The portion of the tegmentum posterior to the aqueduct is the tectum.<ref name="Sinnatamby-2011" /> The superior and inferior colliculi that make up the corpora quadrigemina are situated posteriorly to it.<ref name="Standring-2020" />
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."<ref> Template:Cite book </ref>
Function
Template:Expand section The cerebral aqueduct acts as 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.<ref name="Rubino">Template:Cite book</ref>
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.<ref name=Rubino/>
History
The cerebral aqueduct was first named after Franciscus Sylvius.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Additional images
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Transverse section through mid-brain; number 2 indicates the cerebral aqueduct.
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Transverse section of mid-brain at level of inferior colliculi.
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Transverse section of mid-brain at level of superior colliculi.
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MRI section of mid-brain.
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Median sagittal section of brain.
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Scheme showing relations of the ventricles to the surface of the brain.
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Cerebral aqueduct
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Cerebral aqueduct
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Cerebral peduncle, optic chasm, cerebral aqueduct. Inferior view. Deep dissection.
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Cerebral peduncle, optic chasm, cerebral aqueduct. Inferior view. Deep dissection.
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Cerebrum. Inferior view. Deep dissection
See also
References
External links
Template:Mesencephalon Template:Ventricular system Template:Authority control