![\"Ventricles\"](\"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ventricles-600x581.jpg\")
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In our previous article, Learning the Brain: Neuroanatomy Basics for Understanding Hydrocephalus<\/em><\/a>, we discussed the anatomy of the brain and what happens to the brain in hydrocephalus.<\/a> But one thing that is important to know is where all of this is happening and why. Oftentimes, you\u2019ll hear your ventricles being referred to as \u201clateral\u201d, \u201cthird\u201d, \u201cfourth\u201d, or even \u201caqueduct\u201d. This can be confusing when you\u2019re trying to figure out where in your brain these different areas are, and how it relates to hydrocephalus treatment. The goal of this article is to highlight the difference between each ventricle, their locations, and their importance to hydrocephalus.<\/p>\n Inside your brain, you have a series of ventricles, or fluid-filled cavities. These ventricles are filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)<\/a> that is constantly moving and working to cushion the brain and remove toxins. The CSF flows in one direction, creating a type of current that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Because the CSF flows in one direction, this means that if there is a blockage or interruption, it creates a buildup like a traffic jam. It is important to note that this traffic jam can occur in different locations in your ventricles depending on the cause. This buildup of CSF is known as hydrocephalus.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re learning about hydrocephalus and treatment options, you may hear someone talk about the different ventricles and nearby structures. These structures together are known as the ventricular system. If we look at the journey of CSF through the body as a commute on a road, it starts in the lateral ventricles<\/strong><\/span> (a connected pair with one half on each side of the brain) and includes the choroid plexus<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. <\/strong>The choroid plexus is a small piece of tissue that floats in the lateral ventricles. It has many roles in the ecosystem of the brain, but its primary function is the production of CSF. After being produced in the lateral ventricles, the CSF flows around from the middle of the brain to the bottom, and through the third ventricle and lastly fourth ventricle. The third ventricle<\/strong><\/span> is a narrow space that sits along the midline, or the invisible line that separates the brain into two halves. The third ventricle acts as a meeting point for the CSF coming from both the lateral ventricles. CSF flows out of the third ventricle through the aqueduct to the fourth ventricle.<\/p>\n The fourth ventricle<\/strong><\/span>, downstream of the third, sits right above the spinal cord and is where the CSF exits the ventricular system to flow around the outside of the brain or around the spinal cord to eventually be absorbed.<\/p>\n There are many different types of hydrocephalus, and each patient\u2019s situation is different. With this in mind, there are two primary treatments that involve intervention within the ventricles: shunts and endoscopic third ventriculostomies (ETVs).<\/p>\n Watch the video<\/a> below to learn more about how hydrocephalus is treated:<\/p>\nThe Ventricles and the Production of CSF<\/h2>\n
![\"hydrocephalus\"](\"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Ventricles-made-in-BioRender-600x266.png\")
<\/p>\nTreating Hydrocephalus in the Ventricles<\/h2>\n