The terminal ventricle (ventriculus terminalis, or fifth ventricle) is widest part of the central canal of the spinal cord that is located at or near the conus terminalis. [1] It was described by Stilling in 1859 and Krause in 1875. [2] Krause introduced the term fifth ventricle after observation of normal ependymal cells. [2] The central canal expands as a fusiform terminal ventricle, and approximately 8-10 mm in length in the conus medullaris (or conus terminalis). [3] Although the terminal ventricle is visible in the fetus and children, but is usually absent in adults. [1]
Detection and Diagnosis [edit]
Sometimes, the terminal ventricle is observed by MRI or Sonography in children less than 5 years old. [4] An MRI scan can be particularly helpful in its detection.
In pathological conditions, an MRI is usefulat at the level of the conus medullaris that findings may be related to the following:
- Spina bifida
- Arnold-Chiari syndrome
- Tumors of the conus medullaris
- Myelomeningocele
- Syringomyelia
- Hydromyelia. In hydromyelia, a dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord is caused by an increase of cerebrospinal fluid. [5]
- Syringohydromyelia (i.e., both Syringomyelia and Hydromyelia) [5]
- Tethered cord
In some cases, the terminal ventricle may cause clinical symptoms due to its expansion.
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ a b "ventriculus terminalis".
- ^ a b "fifth ventricle-case report".
- ^ Williams & Warwick. Gray's Anatomy .THIRTY-SEVENTH EDITION.ISBN 0 443 04177 6
- ^ "cyst of the medullary conus".
- ^ a b "imaging in syringohydromyelia".
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