Which structure connects the third and fourth ventricles to allow CSF flow?

Which structure connects the third and fourth ventricles to allow CSF flow?

• A. Foramen of Monro
• B. Central canal
• C. Cerebral aqueduct
• D. Interventricular foramen

Answer: (C)

The cerebral aqueduct, a narrow canal in the midbrain, directly links the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle to allow CSF to flow between them. This single conduit is what enables CSF produced in the choroid plexus of the third ventricle to move into the fourth ventricle and continue on toward the subarachnoid space. The other structures connect different parts of the ventricular system: the foramen of Monro (interventricular foramen) connects the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle; the central canal runs from the fourth ventricle into the spinal cord; and the interventricular foramen is another name for the same connection from the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle.

The cerebral aqueduct, a narrow canal in the midbrain, directly links the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle to allow CSF to flow between them. This single conduit is what enables CSF produced in the choroid plexus of the third ventricle to move into the fourth ventricle and continue on toward the subarachnoid space. The other structures connect different parts of the ventricular system: the foramen of Monro (interventricular foramen) connects the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle; the central canal runs from the fourth ventricle into the spinal cord; and the interventricular foramen is another name for the same connection from the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle.