Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it to the arteries: In anatomy, a "ventricle" is one of the two lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood out to the lungs or the rest of the body.
   • One of four connected cavities in the brain; is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid: In neuroanatomy, a "ventricle" refers to a fluid-filled cavity within the brain that produces and contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Examples of Usage

• Anatomy (Heart):
  • The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta.
  • Damage to the right ventricle can impair blood flow to the lungs.
• Neuroanatomy (Brain):
  • Cerebrospinal fluid circulates through the brain's ventricles.
  • An obstruction can cause fluid to build up in the ventricles, a condition known as hydrocephalus.

Advanced Usage

• "Ventricular" (Adjective): Pertaining to a ventricle.
  • The patient suffered from ventricular fibrillation, a dangerous heart rhythm.
  • Ventricular size can be measured on a brain scan.

Variants and Related Words

• Ventriculus (n): An older or alternative term, primarily in specific zoological contexts, for a cavity or chamber.
• Ventricular (adj): Relating to a ventricle or ventricles.
  • Ventricular function, ventricular system.

Synonyms

• Chamber (specifically for the heart):
• Cavity (specifically for the brain):

Related Phrases and Terms

• Left ventricle: The heart chamber that pumps blood to the body.
• Right ventricle: The heart chamber that pumps blood to the lungs.
• Lateral ventricle: One of the two large cavities in the cerebrum.
• Third ventricle: A narrow cavity in the midbrain.
• Fourth ventricle: A cavity located between the brainstem and the cerebellum.
• Ventricular septum: The wall separating the left and right ventricles of the heart.

Noun

1. a chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it to the arteries
2. one of four connected cavities in the brain; is continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid