Septum Pellucidum: An Overview
The septum pellucidum (SP) is a thin, translucent membrane located between the two hemispheres of the brain. It has been studied since the late 19th century and is known to be involved in a variety of neurological disorders. This article will provide an overview of the SP, its anatomy, its clinical significance, and its associated disorders.
Anatomy
The SP is a thin membrane that separates the lateral ventricles of the brain, and is composed of two parts: the anterior and posterior portions. The anterior portion, or septum pellucidum proper, is located in the interventricular septum, while the posterior portion, or septum pellucidum verum, is located between the thalamus and the corpus callosum. It is composed of both white and gray matter, and is highly vascularized.
Clinical Significance
The SP is important for its role in the maintenance of normal brain function. It is involved in the regulation of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the lateral ventricles and the subarachnoid space, which helps to regulate the volume of CSF and maintain normal intracranial pressure. It also plays a role in the formation of neural pathways and helps to guide the development of the corpus callosum.
Associated Disorders
Disorders associated with the SP include septo-optic dysplasia, schizencephaly, and agenesis of the septum pellucidum. Septo-optic dysplasia is a rare disorder characterized by the absence of the SP, the presence of optic nerve hypoplasia, and the presence of other neurological and endocrinological abnormalities. Schizencephaly is a rare malformation of the cerebral cortex, which is often associated with a missing or abnormal SP. Agenesis of the septum pellucidum is a rare disorder characterized by the absence of the SP, which may be associated with a variety of neurological and cognitive deficits.
Conclusion
The septum pellucidum is a thin membrane located between the two hemispheres of the brain. It plays an important role in the maintenance of normal brain function, and is associated with a variety of neurological and cognitive disorders. Further research is necessary to fully understand the role of the SP in brain function and development, and the associated disorders.
References
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