The 'third ventricle' (''ventriculus tertius'') is one of four connected fluid-filled cavities comprising the
ventricular system within the human
brain. It is a median cleft between the two
thalami, and is filled with
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
It is in the midline, between the left and right
lateral ventricles.
Communication
It communicates with the
lateral ventricles anteriorly by the
interventricular foramina (of Monro).
It communicates with the
fourth ventricle posteriorly by the
cerebral aqueduct (of Sylvius).
Development
Developmentally the third ventricle represents the cavity of the
diencephalon.
Boundaries
It is bounded by the
thalamus and
hypothalamus on both the left and right sides. The
lamina terminalis forms the anterior wall of the third ventricle.
Protrusions
There are two protrusions on the front of the third ventricle:
★ the
supra-optic recess (above the
optic chiasma)
★ the
infundibular recess (above the
pituitary stalk).
In casts of the ventricular system, a small 'hole' may be seen in the body of the third ventricle. This is formed where the two thalami are joined together at the
interthalamic adhesion (not seen in all people).
See also
★
Suprapineal recess
Additional images
External links
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