Kõrvalkoobastes

Kõrvalkoobastes, also known as lateral ventricles, are a pair of fluid-filled cavities located in the brain. They are part of the ventricular system and play a crucial role in the production, circulation, and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The lateral ventricles are situated in the lateral fissure of the brain, with the right lateral ventricle being slightly larger than the left.

The lateral ventricles are connected to other ventricles via the interventricular foramen, which allows for the flow of CSF between them. The third and fourth ventricles are posterior to the lateral ventricles, and the lateral ventricles communicate with the cerebral aqueduct, which connects the third and fourth ventricles.

The walls of the lateral ventricles are formed by the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus. These structures produce CSF, which is circulated through the ventricular system and eventually absorbed by the arachnoid granulations in the superior sagittal sinus.

The lateral ventricles are clinically significant as their size and shape can be altered by various neurological conditions. Enlargement of the lateral ventricles, known as ventricular dilation, can occur due to conditions such as hydrocephalus, which is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of CSF. This can lead to symptoms like headache, nausea, and vomiting. Conversely, ventricular dilation can also occur as a result of normal aging, a condition known as physiological dilation.

In summary, the lateral ventricles are essential components of the brain's ventricular system, involved in the production and circulation of CSF. Their size and shape can provide valuable clinical information about a patient's neurological status.