What are the hollow spaces in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid called?

The hollow spaces in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid are called ventricles. These structures are crucial for the production, circulation, and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which plays an essential role in protecting the brain, providing buoyancy, and removing waste. The ventricles are interconnected cavities filled with CSF and include the lateral ventricles, third ventricle, and fourth ventricle.

Ventricles also serve as a pathway for CSF to flow throughout the central nervous system, helping to maintain homeostasis and providing a cushion for the brain against trauma. Understanding the function of ventricles underscores their importance in brain health and the potential consequences when they are obstructed or compromised, which can lead to conditions such as hydrocephalus.