Where is the fourth ventricle located in the brain?

The fourth ventricle is a tent-shaped cavity in the hindbrain, positioned between the cerebellum and the posterior surfaces of the pons and upper medulla.

What are the openings in the fourth ventricle and what is their function?

Three openings allow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to exit into the subarachnoid space: the median aperture (foramen of Magendie) in the midline, and the lateral apertures (foramina of Luschka) in the lateral recesses.

What structures form the floor of the fourth ventricle?

The floor, known as the rhomboid fossa, is diamond-shaped and formed by the posterior surfaces of the pons and upper medulla, featuring structures such as the median sulcus and areas overlying various nuclei.

What is the role of the choroid plexus in the fourth ventricle?

The choroid plexus is a T-shaped tuft of capillaries in the lower roof that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with its horizontal limbs extending into the lateral recesses.

What are common tumors associated with the fourth ventricle?

Common tumors include medulloblastoma, a malignant tumor in children causing cerebellar symptoms, and ependymoma, which can obstruct CSF flow and lead to hydrocephalus.

What clinical symptoms might arise from fourth ventricle tumors?

Symptoms can include cerebellar signs like ataxia and gait disturbance, and compression of the floor may cause cardiac or respiratory issues. Obstruction of CSF flow can lead to hydrocephalus.

Fourth Ventricle – Rhomboid Fossa & Apertures