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Tela choroidea of third ventricle

The tela choroidea of the third ventricle is a thin, double-layered fold of pia mater that forms the roof of the third ventricle. It supports the choroid plexus of the third ventricle and plays an essential role in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and ventricular anatomy.

Because of its delicate membranous structure and central location, the tela choroidea is an important landmark in neuroanatomy, ventricular system organization, and neuroradiologic interpretation.

Synonyms

  • Tela choroidea ventriculi tertii

  • Third ventricular tela choroidea

Location

  • Forms the roof of the third ventricle

  • Situated inferior to the fornix

  • Superior to the thalami

  • Extends between the two thalami across the midline

  • Continuous posteriorly with the tela choroidea of the lateral ventricles

  • Associated with the choroid plexus of the third ventricle

Anatomical components

  • Double layer of pia mater:

    • Superior lamina

    • Inferior lamina

  • Contained vascular structures:

    • Internal cerebral veins

    • Medial posterior choroidal arteries

  • Choroid plexus attachment:

    • Suspended from the inferior surface of the tela choroidea

Relations

Superiorly:

  • Body of the fornix

Inferiorly:

  • Third ventricular cavity

  • Choroid plexus of the third ventricle

Laterally:

  • Thalami

Anteriorly:

  • Interventricular foramina (foramina of Monro)

Posteriorly:

  • Pineal region

  • Suprapineal recess of the third ventricle

Function

  • Structural support: Forms the roof of the third ventricle

  • Choroid plexus suspension: Supports vascular tissue involved in CSF production

  • Vascular conduit: Transmits veins and arteries supplying the ventricular system

  • Ventricular compartmentalization: Helps define the superior boundary of the third ventricle

MRI appearance (normal)

T1-weighted images:

  • Tela choroidea: Very thin, typically not separately visualized

  • Identification: Inferred by the position of internal cerebral veins and choroid plexus

T2-weighted images:

  • Tela choroidea: Very thin, typically not separately visualized

  • CSF contrast: Appears as a delicate boundary between CSF and adjacent structures

FLAIR:

  • Normal: Not distinctly visualized

  • Seen indirectly by outlining of the third ventricular roof

Post-contrast T1-weighted images:

  • Normal: No intrinsic enhancement

  • Associated choroid plexus: May show normal enhancement, outlining the tela choroidea

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Tela choroidea: Not visualized

Post-contrast CT:

  • Tela choroidea: Not seen directly

MRI image

MRI Tela choroidea of third ventricle anatomy image -img-00000-00000