Cerebral aqueduct

Sylvian aqueduct of sylvius
Section through superior colliculus showing path of oculomotor nerve.
Drawing of a cast of the ventricular cavities, viewed from the side.
Details
Identifiers
Latin	aqueductus mesencephali (cerebri). aqueductus Sylvii
MeSH	A08.186.211.132.659.822.187
NeuroNames	hier-500
NeuroLex ID	Cerebral aqueduct
FMA	78467
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy []

The cerebral aqueduct, also known as the aqueductus mesencephali, mesencephalic duct, sylvian aqueduct or the aqueduct of Sylvius is within the mesencephalon (or midbrain), contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and connects the third ventricle in the diencephalon to the fourth ventricle within the region of the mesencephalon and metencephalon, located dorsal to the pons and ventral to the cerebellum.

The cerebral aqueduct, as other parts of the ventricular system of the brain, develops from the central canal of the neural tube, and it originates from the portion of the neural tube that is present in the developing mesencephalon, hence the name "mesencephalic duct."

The aqueduct functions to connect the third and fourth ventricles and to ensure the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through these areas.

Aqueductal stenosis, a narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct, obstructs the flow of CSF and has been associated with non-communicating hydrocephalus. Such narrowing can be congenital, arise via tumor compression, or through cyclical gliosis secondary to an initial partial obstruction.

Transverse section through mid-brain; number 2 indicates the cerebral aqueduct.

Transverse section of mid-brain at level of inferior colliculi.

Transverse section of mid-brain at level of superior colliculi.

MRI section of mid-brain.

Median sagittal section of brain.

Scheme showing relations of the ventricles to the surface of the brain.

Cerebral aqueduct

Cerebral aqueduct

Cerebral peduncle, optic chasm, cerebral aqueduct. Inferior view. Deep dissection.