Interthalamic adhesion

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Coronal section of brain through intermediate mass of third ventricle.

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Carnegie stage
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The interthalamic adhesion, also known as the massa intermedia, is a small, midline structure in the human brain that connects the two thalami across the third ventricle. It is not present in all individuals and its function remains somewhat unclear.

Anatomy

The interthalamic adhesion is a flattened band of tissue that extends across the third ventricle, connecting the medial surfaces of the left and right thalami. It is composed of gray matter and is located near the center of the brain. The size and presence of the interthalamic adhesion can vary significantly among individuals; in some people, it is absent altogether.

Function

The precise function of the interthalamic adhesion is not well understood. It is generally considered to be a non-functional structure, as its absence does not appear to affect brain function. Some researchers suggest that it may play a role in the synchronization of thalamic activity between the two hemispheres, but this hypothesis requires further investigation.

Clinical significance

The interthalamic adhesion is often noted in neuroimaging studies, such as MRI, due to its location and appearance. Its presence or absence can be used as a reference point in brain imaging, but it is not typically associated with any specific clinical conditions.

Development

The development of the interthalamic adhesion occurs during fetal growth, but the factors that determine its presence or size are not well understood. It is thought to form as the thalami develop and grow towards each other during brain development.

Also see

• Thalamus
• Third ventricle
• Gray matter
• Brain anatomy

References

• Susan,

 Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 
 41st edition, 
 Elsevier, 
 2016, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9,

• ,

 The Thalamus, 
 Neuroscience, 
 2007,
 Vol. 145(Issue: 3),
 pp. 567–582,
 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.12.002,