Lateral recess: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:19, 15 February 2025

Lateral Recess[edit]

The lateral recess is a part of the ventricular system of the brain. It is an extension of the fourth ventricle, which is one of the interconnected fluid-filled cavities within the brain. The lateral recesses are located at the posterior part of the fourth ventricle and extend laterally towards the cerebellopontine angle.

Anatomy[edit]

The lateral recesses are two narrow, tube-like extensions that project from the fourth ventricle. They are situated on either side of the brainstem, near the pons and the medulla oblongata. The lateral recesses are bordered by the cerebellum and the choroid plexus, which is responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Function[edit]

The primary function of the lateral recesses is to facilitate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the fourth ventricle into the subarachnoid space. This flow is crucial for maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system, providing cushioning for the brain, and removing metabolic waste.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Obstruction or malformation of the lateral recesses can lead to conditions such as hydrocephalus, where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles. This can cause increased intracranial pressure and may require medical intervention, such as the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Lateral Recess''' is a term used in the field of [[Anatomy]] to refer to a specific part of the [[Spinal Canal]]. It is also known as the lateral recess of the spinal canal, or the lateral aperture. The lateral recess is an important anatomical structure as it is often involved in spinal conditions such as [[Spinal Stenosis]].
+== Lateral Recess ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Lateral_ventricle.gif|thumb|right|Diagram of the lateral ventricles, showing the lateral recess.]]
-The term "Lateral Recess" is derived from the Latin words "latus" meaning "side" and "recessus" meaning "a going back, retreat". Thus, the term can be literally translated to "side retreat".
-==Anatomy==
+The '''lateral recess''' is a part of the [[ventricular system]] of the [[brain]]. It is an extension of the [[fourth ventricle]], which is one of the interconnected fluid-filled cavities within the brain. The lateral recesses are located at the posterior part of the fourth ventricle and extend laterally towards the [[cerebellopontine angle]].
-The lateral recess is a part of the spinal canal that is located on the sides of the canal. It is formed by the pedicles of the vertebrae and the vertebral body. The lateral recess is an important space as it is where the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal.
-==Clinical Significance==
+=== Anatomy ===
-The lateral recess is often involved in conditions such as spinal stenosis. [[Spinal Stenosis]] is a condition where the spaces within your spine (such as the lateral recess) become narrow. This can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness.
-==Related Terms==
+The lateral recesses are two narrow, tube-like extensions that project from the fourth ventricle. They are situated on either side of the brainstem, near the [[pons]] and the [[medulla oblongata]]. The lateral recesses are bordered by the [[cerebellum]] and the [[choroid plexus]], which is responsible for the production of [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF).
-* [[Spinal Canal]]: The spinal canal is the space in the vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes.
-* [[Spinal Stenosis]]: Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within your spine become narrow.
-* [[Vertebrae]]: The vertebrae are the individual bones that stack up to make your spine.
-==See Also==
+=== Function ===
-* [[Spinal Cord]]
-* [[Spinal Nerve]]
-* [[Vertebral Column]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+The primary function of the lateral recesses is to facilitate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the fourth ventricle into the [[subarachnoid space]]. This flow is crucial for maintaining the [[homeostasis]] of the central nervous system, providing cushioning for the brain, and removing metabolic waste.
-[[Category:Medical Terminology]]
-{{stub}}
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+Obstruction or malformation of the lateral recesses can lead to conditions such as [[hydrocephalus]], where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles. This can cause increased intracranial pressure and may require medical intervention, such as the placement of a [[ventriculoperitoneal shunt]].
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Ventricular system]]
+* [[Fourth ventricle]]
+* [[Cerebrospinal fluid]]
+* [[Hydrocephalus]]
+[[Category:Neuroanatomy]]