Ventrikkel

Ventrikkel is an anatomical term for a hollow chamber within an organ. In many languages, including Dutch and Norwegian, ventrikkel can refer to the heart chamber (the ventricles) or to the brain’s ventricular system, which contains cerebrospinal fluid and serves protective and regulatory roles. The meaning depends on the anatomical context.

In the heart, there are two ventricles: the right ventrikkel and the left ventrikkel. The right ventrikkel receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. The left ventrikkel receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and ejects it into the aorta for systemic circulation. The ventricular walls differ in thickness and muscularity; the left ventrikkel is typically thicker to generate higher pressure. Valves between the atria and ventricles (tricuspid and mitral) prevent backflow, and the semilunar valves at the openings of the pulmonary artery and aorta regulate blood leaving the heart.

In the brain, the ventricular system comprises lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle. These cavities are lined by ependymal cells and connected by foramina and aqueducts. They produce, circulate, and help absorb cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain, maintains chemical stability, and removes waste. Abnormal enlargement or obstruction of these ventricles can lead to hydrocephalus and other neurological conditions.

Developmentally, ventricles arise from embryonic neural and cardiac structures and are lined by specialized tissue appropriate to their location. Clinically, ventricular changes reflect various diseases of the heart or central nervous system and are assessed through imaging and physiological testing.