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Review
. 2022 Nov 4:13:512.
doi: 10.25259/SNI_931_2022. eCollection 2022.

The functional anatomy of the foramina of Luschka revisited

Samer S Hoz  1 , Alkawthar M Abdulsada  2 , Mustafa Ismail  3 , Yara Alfawares  1 , Jonathan A Forbes  1 , Charles J Prestigiacomo  1 , Norberto Andaluz  1
Affiliations
Review

The functional anatomy of the foramina of Luschka revisited

Samer S Hoz et al. Surg Neurol Int. .

Abstract

Background: The German Anatomist Hubert Von Luschka first described the foramina of Luschka (FOL) in 1855 as lateral holes in the fourth ventricle. By his discovery, he refuted previous beliefs about the lateral recess as blind ends of the fourth ventricle, proving the continuity of the ventricular system with the central canal of the spinal cord. In this paper, we question the outline variations of the patent parts of FOL and their consistency, drawing attention to the apparent query of the valvular mechanism of FOL.

Methods: We conducted a literature review in PubMed and Google Scholar databases to review the existing literature describing the history, pertinent anatomy, and function of FOL. In addition, we reviewed the original German book written by Luschka.

Results: While reading the available articles and original works regarding FOL, we noticed the developmental phases through which FOL was discovered, tracking the process from Aristotle till Luschka's discovery. We also discussed controversies and opinions about FOL's existence and function.

Conclusion: FOL is halved into two compartments: choroidal and patent. The function of FOL resembles a oneway valve mechanism, and it depends on the patent slit-like part. Luschka had discovered over 20 anatomical structures, including several foramina, confusion in a debate may result from eponyms.

Keywords: Choroid plexus; Foramen of Luschka; Fourth ventricle; Lateral openings; Patency.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Timeline of foramen of Luschka discovery and development.
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Original illustration by “The Choroid Plexuses of the Human Brain” book, inferior view of the cerebellum after removal of the medulla oblongata and the superior medullary velum to show the T-shape distribution of the BFB ending laterally by the choroidal compartment of FOL. (aa) Horizontal strands of the choroid plexus, (b) connector of the horizontal and longitudinal choroid plexus, (cc) longitudinal strands of the choroid plexus, (d) cerebellar nodule, (ee) middle cerebellar peduncles, and (ff) inferior cerebellar peduncles.
Figure 3:
Figure 3:
The original description of FOL in “The Choroid Plexuses of the Human Brain” book, the first section, page 27.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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