Ventriculus terminalis is a Latin term that refers to the terminal or final portion of the vertebrate spinal cord. The spelling of "ventriculus terminalis" can be broken down into its phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word begins with the voiced labio-velar approximant "v" and is followed by the open-mid front unrounded vowel "ɛ". Next is the voiceless velar plosive "k", followed by the voiceless alveolar fricative "s". The last portion includes the dental fricative "θ", the voiced dental fricative "ð", and the voiced alveolar lateral approximant "l".
The ventriculus terminalis is a small fluid-filled cavity located at the lower end of the spinal cord. It is also known as the terminal ventricle or the fifth ventricle.
Anatomically, the ventriculus terminalis is a remnant of the central canal, which runs the length of the spinal cord. As the spinal cord develops, the central canal narrows and eventually disappears, except for this small portion at the caudal or bottom end. It is lined with ependymal cells, which are specialized cells that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid within the central nervous system.
The ventriculus terminalis is often irregularly shaped and can vary in size among individuals. It is typically located at the conus medullaris, which is the tapered, conical end of the spinal cord. It is most commonly found within the lower lumbar or sacral segments of the vertebral column.
Although the function of the ventriculus terminalis is not fully understood, it is believed to have a role in the regulation of cerebrospinal fluid circulation and pressure within the spinal cord. It may also help facilitate communication between the spinal cord and the brain. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific functions and significance of the ventriculus terminalis in relation to spinal cord physiology.
The dilated portion of the central canal of the spinal cord at the tip of the conus medullaris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "ventriculus terminalis" is of Latin origin. It consists of two words: "ventriculus" and "terminalis".
1. Ventriculus: In Latin, "ventriculus" means "little belly" or "stomach". It is derived from the Latin word "venter", which means "belly" or "womb".
2. Terminalis: "Terminalis" is also derived from Latin and means "at the boundary" or "at the end". It comes from the Latin word "terminus", which signifies "end" or "limit".
Therefore, when combined, "ventriculus terminalis" can be translated as "terminal ventricle" or "end cavity". The terminology is frequently used in anatomy to refer to specific structures in the human body, notably the small cavity located at the posterior end of the third ventricle in the brain.