Extraventricular is a medical term commonly used to describe the location of an abnormal growth or structure outside the ventricles of the brain. It is pronounced /ɛkstrəvɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər/, with the stress on the third syllable. The spelling of this word directly reflects its pronunciation, with each letter representing a sound in the word. The prefix "extra-" indicates "outside" or "beyond," while "ventricular" refers to the ventricles in the brain. This word is commonly used in the medical field and is an essential term for neurologists and radiologists.
Extraventricular is an adjective used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe structures or processes occurring outside of or extending beyond the ventricles, which are the hollow spaces within the brain. The term breaks down into two parts: "extra," meaning outside or beyond, and "ventricular," relating to the ventricles.
In the field of neurology, extraventricular is often used to discuss cerebral hemorrhages or blood accumulations within the brain that are located outside the ventricles. These extraventricular hemorrhages can occur due to trauma, rupture of blood vessels, or the presence of an underlying condition. They are usually associated with more severe symptoms and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Additionally, the term can be used in reference to surgical techniques or interventions conducted outside of the ventricles. For instance, extraventricular drainage refers to the insertion of a catheter or tube outside the ventricles to remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in cases of hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure.
In summary, extraventricular pertains to conditions, treatments, or anatomical structures found outside the ventricles of the brain. It denotes a location or extension beyond these hollow cavities and is primarily used within the medical field, specifically in neurology and neurosurgery.
Outside of any ventricle, especially of one of the ventricles of the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "extraventricular" is derived from Latin. It combines the prefix "extra" meaning "outside" or "beyond", and the Latin word "ventriculus" meaning "a small cavity" or "ventricle". In the medical context, "extraventricular" refers to any structures or processes occurring outside or beyond the ventricles, particularly in relation to the brain.