Cerebral aqueduct

The cerebral aqueduct is roughly circular in transverse section, and measures 1-2 mm in diameter. == Function ==

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. == 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. == History ==

The cerebral aqueduct was first named after Franciscus Sylvius. == Additional images ==

File:Gray710.png|Transverse section through mid-brain; number 2 indicates the cerebral aqueduct. File:Gray711.png|Transverse section of mid-brain at level of inferior colliculi. File:Gray712.png|Transverse section of mid-brain at level of superior colliculi. File:Periaqueductal_MRI.PNG|MRI section of mid-brain. File:Gray720.png|Median sagittal section of brain. File:Gray734.png|Scheme showing relations of the ventricles to the surface of the brain. File:Slide1qq.JPG|Cerebral aqueduct File:Slide7qq.JPG|Cerebral aqueduct File:Slide2HOM.JPG|Cerebral peduncle, optic chasm, cerebral aqueduct. Inferior view. Deep dissection. File:Slide3HOM.JPG|Cerebral peduncle, optic chasm, cerebral aqueduct. Inferior view. Deep dissection. File:Slide2ERV.JPG|Cerebrum. Inferior view. Deep dissection == See also ==