Lateral Aperture of the Fourth Ventricle

The lateral aperture of the fourth ventricle (lat. apertūra laterālis ventricūli quartī, lat. apertura lateralis rhomboencephali) is an opening on the ventral surface of the rhombencephalon, located between its upper and lateral edges.

The lateral aperture is a large oval foramen that connects the fourth ventricle of the brain with the subarachnoid space. Through this hole pass the axons of neurons that transmit information from the visual, auditory and other sensory systems to the cerebral cortex.

In addition, the lateral aperture is an important element in the regulation of intracranial pressure. It allows excess fluid from the brain to flow into the subarachnoid space, which prevents increased intracranial pressure and the development of hydrocephalus.

The opening of the lateral aperture is one of the key moments in the development of the nervous system. This hole plays an important role in the formation of the visual and auditory apparatus, as well as in the control of body movements and coordination.

Overall, the lateral aperture of the fourth ventricle is an important anatomical structure that plays a key role in the functioning of the nervous system and the maintenance of normal intracranial pressure.