The small cavities in the brain are called ventricles. These are interconnected, hollow spaces filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which plays a crucial role in cushioning the brain, maintaining intracranial pressure, and removing waste products.
There are four primary ventricles in the brain: the two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle. The lateral ventricles are located in each hemisphere of the brain, while the third ventricle is situated in the midline of the brain, and the fourth ventricle lies between the brainstem and the cerebellum.
The ventricles not only help to provide buoyancy to the brain but also assist in the circulation of CSF throughout the central nervous system. This fluid is vital for protecting the brain from injury, providing nutrients, and facilitating waste removal, making the functioning of the ventricles essential to overall brain health.