Ventricles of brain MCQs With Answer

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Ventricles of brain MCQs With Answer — This concise guide is designed for B. Pharm students to master the ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, related pathologies and clinical correlations. It covers anatomy of the lateral, third and fourth ventricles, choroid plexus function, ependymal lining, foramina (Monro, aqueduct, Luschka, Magendie), CSF production and absorption, hydrocephalus types, intraventricular tumors and implications for drug delivery and pharmacokinetics. SEO keywords included: ventricles of brain MCQs with answer, B Pharm, neuroanatomy, CSF physiology, choroid plexus, hydrocephalus, intraventricular drug administration. The content is simple, exam-focused and clinically relevant. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. How many ventricles are present in the human brain?

  • Two
  • Three
  • Four
  • Five

Correct Answer: Four

Q2. Which structure connects each lateral ventricle to the third ventricle?

  • Cerebral aqueduct
  • Foramen of Monro (interventricular foramen)
  • Foramen of Magendie
  • Lateral aperture (foramen of Luschka)

Correct Answer: Foramen of Monro (interventricular foramen)

Q3. The cerebral aqueduct (aqueduct of Sylvius) connects which ventricles?

  • Lateral ventricles to third ventricle
  • Third ventricle to fourth ventricle
  • Lateral ventricles to fourth ventricle
  • Fourth ventricle to subarachnoid space

Correct Answer: Third ventricle to fourth ventricle

Q4. Which apertures allow CSF to exit the fourth ventricle into the subarachnoid space?

  • Foramen of Monro only
  • Foramina of Luschka and Magendie
  • Interventricular foramina only
  • Cerebral aqueduct and foramen of Monro

Correct Answer: Foramina of Luschka and Magendie

Q5. Which cells form the ependymal lining of the ventricles and contribute to CSF circulation with their cilia?

  • Pyramidal neurons
  • Astrocytes
  • Ependymal cells
  • Microglia

Correct Answer: Ependymal cells

Q6. The primary site of CSF production is:

  • Arachnoid granulations
  • Choroid plexus
  • Subarachnoid cisterns
  • Dura mater capillaries

Correct Answer: Choroid plexus

Q7. Approximate daily production of CSF in an adult is:

  • 50 ml/day
  • 150 ml/day
  • 500 ml/day
  • 1000 ml/day

Correct Answer: 500 ml/day

Q8. Normal total CSF volume in adults is closest to:

  • 50 ml
  • 150 ml
  • 500 ml
  • 1000 ml

Correct Answer: 150 ml

Q9. CSF is absorbed primarily into the venous system via:

  • Choroid plexus capillaries
  • Arachnoid granulations into dural sinuses
  • Lymphatics of the scalp
  • Falx cerebri veins

Correct Answer: Arachnoid granulations into dural sinuses

Q10. Which ion is present in higher concentration in CSF than in plasma?

  • Potassium (K+)
  • Sodium (Na+)
  • Chloride (Cl-)
  • Calcium (Ca2+)

Correct Answer: Chloride (Cl-)

Q11. The blood–CSF barrier is formed by:

  • Endothelial tight junctions of cerebral capillaries
  • Tight junctions between choroid plexus epithelial cells
  • Arachnoid villi fenestrated endothelium
  • Ependymal cell gap junctions

Correct Answer: Tight junctions between choroid plexus epithelial cells

Q12. Enlargement of all ventricles with patent foramina suggests which type of hydrocephalus?

  • Non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus
  • Communicating hydrocephalus due to impaired absorption
  • Ex vacuo ventriculomegaly only
  • Hydrocephalus from mass effect

Correct Answer: Communicating hydrocephalus due to impaired absorption

Q13. Aqueductal stenosis typically leads to dilation of:

  • Lateral and third ventricles
  • Fourth ventricle only
  • All ventricles equally
  • Temporal horn only

Correct Answer: Lateral and third ventricles

Q14. A colloid cyst most commonly obstructs which structure causing intermittent hydrocephalus?

  • Cerebral aqueduct
  • Foramen of Monro
  • Foramen of Magendie
  • Lateral aperture

Correct Answer: Foramen of Monro

Q15. Which intraventricular tumor is known to hypersecrete CSF and cause hydrocephalus?

  • Ependymoma
  • Choroid plexus papilloma
  • Meningioma
  • Pilocytic astrocytoma

Correct Answer: Choroid plexus papilloma

Q16. Ependymomas in children most commonly arise in which ventricle?

  • Lateral ventricle
  • Third ventricle
  • Fourth ventricle
  • Central canal of spinal cord only

Correct Answer: Fourth ventricle

Q17. In premature neonates, intraventricular hemorrhage most commonly originates from which vascular structure?

  • Pial vessels over cortex
  • Germinal matrix (periventricular) vascular bed
  • Anterior choroidal artery
  • Arachnoid granulations

Correct Answer: Germinal matrix (periventricular) vascular bed

Q18. Which clinical triad is characteristic of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)?

  • Headache, vomiting, papilledema
  • Gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment
  • Seizures, hemiparesis, aphasia
  • Fever, neck stiffness, photophobia

Correct Answer: Gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment

Q19. The Evans index used to assess ventricular enlargement is defined as the ratio of:

  • Width of frontal horn of lateral ventricle to maximum inner skull diameter
  • Third ventricle width to brain width
  • Total ventricular volume to brain volume
  • Width of temporal horn to skull diameter

Correct Answer: Width of frontal horn of lateral ventricle to maximum inner skull diameter

Q20. Which MRI sequence typically shows CSF as bright, aiding ventricular anatomy assessment?

  • T1-weighted
  • T2-weighted
  • FLAIR with CSF suppressed
  • Diffusion-weighted imaging only

Correct Answer: T2-weighted

Q21. The choroid plexus is derived embryologically from:

  • Neural crest cells
  • Pia mater invagination and ependymal differentiation
  • Dura mater mesenchyme
  • Endothelial capillary proliferation only

Correct Answer: Pia mater invagination and ependymal differentiation

Q22. CSF glucose concentration is normally approximately what percentage of plasma glucose?

  • 10%
  • 30%
  • 60%
  • 100%

Correct Answer: 60%

Q23. The normal adult CSF opening pressure on lumbar puncture is approximately:

  • 10-20 mmHg
  • 70-180 mm H2O
  • 300-500 mm H2O
  • 1-5 mm H2O

Correct Answer: 70-180 mm H2O

Q24. Which ventricular horn extends into the temporal lobe?

  • Frontal (anterior) horn
  • Occipital (posterior) horn
  • Inferior (temporal) horn
  • Body of the lateral ventricle

Correct Answer: Inferior (temporal) horn

Q25. The septum pellucidum is located between which ventricular structures?

  • Third ventricle and aqueduct
  • Two lateral ventricles
  • Fourth ventricle and cerebellum
  • Superior sagittal sinus and lateral ventricle

Correct Answer: Two lateral ventricles

Q26. Which artery supplies the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle?

  • Middle cerebral artery exclusively
  • Anterior and posterior choroidal arteries
  • Superior cerebellar artery
  • Basilar artery directly

Correct Answer: Anterior and posterior choroidal arteries

Q27. The floor of the third ventricle contains which of the following hypothalamic structures?

  • Tuber cinereum and infundibulum
  • Primary visual cortex
  • Corpus callosum
  • Hippocampal formation

Correct Answer: Tuber cinereum and infundibulum

Q28. Which statement best describes the difference between the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–CSF barrier?

  • BBB is formed by ependymal cells; blood–CSF barrier by endothelial tight junctions
  • BBB restricts passage at capillary endothelium; blood–CSF barrier restricts passage at choroid plexus epithelium
  • They are identical structures with identical cellular composition
  • Blood–CSF barrier is more restrictive than BBB in all drugs

Correct Answer: BBB restricts passage at capillary endothelium; blood–CSF barrier restricts passage at choroid plexus epithelium

Q29. In communicating hydrocephalus caused by meningitis, the primary pathological mechanism is:

  • Obstruction of cerebral aqueduct
  • Impaired CSF absorption by arachnoid granulations due to fibrosis
  • Overproduction of CSF by choroid plexus only
  • Venous sinus thrombosis exclusively

Correct Answer: Impaired CSF absorption by arachnoid granulations due to fibrosis

Q30. Which imaging finding suggests acute intraventricular hemorrhage on CT scan?

  • Hypodense signal within ventricles
  • Hyperdense (bright) material layering in the dependent portions of ventricles
  • Enlarged ventricles with CSF hypodensity only
  • Contrast enhancement of choroid plexus only

Correct Answer: Hyperdense (bright) material layering in the dependent portions of ventricles

Q31. The embryological cavity that gives rise to the ventricular system is called the:

  • Neural crest
  • Neural tube lumen (neurocoel)
  • Notochord
  • Somitocoel

Correct Answer: Neural tube lumen (neurocoel)

Q32. Which of the following best characterizes CSF protein concentration compared with plasma?

  • CSF protein is higher than plasma protein
  • CSF protein is similar to plasma protein
  • CSF protein is lower than plasma protein
  • CSF protein is negligible and undetectable

Correct Answer: CSF protein is lower than plasma protein

Q33. Which ventricular lesion is most likely to present with acute drop attacks and positional headache?

  • Meningioma of convexity
  • Colloid cyst at foramen of Monro
  • Pituitary adenoma
  • Cerebellopontine angle schwannoma

Correct Answer: Colloid cyst at foramen of Monro

Q34. For intraventricular administration of chemotherapy, which statement is true?

  • Drugs administered intraventricularly must cross BBB to reach ventricles
  • Intraventricular delivery bypasses the BBB and achieves high CSF concentrations
  • Intraventricular administration is ineffective for leptomeningeal disease
  • Intraventricular drugs are rapidly bound by arachnoid granulations and inactive

Correct Answer: Intraventricular delivery bypasses the BBB and achieves high CSF concentrations

Q35. Which of the following contributes to CSF movement within ventricles?

  • Active pumping by choroid plexus only
  • Ciliary action of ependymal cells, arterial pulsations and posture changes
  • Contraction of ventricular smooth muscle
  • Gravity alone without ciliary input

Correct Answer: Ciliary action of ependymal cells, arterial pulsations and posture changes

Q36. A pathology that blocks the foramina of Luschka would primarily impede drainage from which ventricle?

  • Lateral ventricles
  • Third ventricle
  • Fourth ventricle
  • Central canal of spinal cord

Correct Answer: Fourth ventricle

Q37. The lateral ventricle body lies in which cerebral structure?

  • Frontal lobe only
  • Parietal lobe within the corpus callosum roof
  • Occipital lobe near calcarine fissure
  • Temporal lobe inferiorly only

Correct Answer: Parietal lobe within the corpus callosum roof

Q38. Which tumor is classically associated with the choroid plexus in children?

  • Meningioma
  • Choroid plexus papilloma
  • Oligodendroglioma
  • Glioblastoma multiforme

Correct Answer: Choroid plexus papilloma

Q39. The periventricular white matter damage in hydrocephalus is primarily due to:

  • Ischemia from stretching and compression of periventricular fibers
  • Direct infection of white matter
  • Autoimmune demyelination only
  • Excess CSF protein toxicity

Correct Answer: Ischemia from stretching and compression of periventricular fibers

Q40. Which is the gold-standard invasive method for accurate intracranial pressure measurement?

  • Non-contrast CT scan
  • Intraventricular catheter (external ventricular drain)
  • Lumbar puncture opening pressure in all cases
  • Transcranial Doppler only

Correct Answer: Intraventricular catheter (external ventricular drain)

Q41. Normal CSF cell count typically is:

  • 0–5 white blood cells/µL, predominantly lymphocytes
  • 50–100 white blood cells/µL
  • 500–1000 neutrophils/µL
  • Extremely high RBC count normally

Correct Answer: 0–5 white blood cells/µL, predominantly lymphocytes

Q42. A high neutrophil count in CSF suggests:

  • Viral meningitis
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Normal CSF
  • Fungal meningitis only

Correct Answer: Bacterial meningitis

Q43. CSF specific gravity is approximately:

  • 0.5–0.7
  • 1.000 (same as water)
  • 1.007–1.009
  • 1.2–1.4

Correct Answer: 1.007–1.009

Q44. The roof of the third ventricle contains which important structure?

  • Pineal gland region and tela choroidea with choroid plexus
  • Broca’s area
  • Primary motor cortex
  • Falx cerebri attachment only

Correct Answer: Pineal gland region and tela choroidea with choroid plexus

Q45. Which cell type lines the choroid plexus surface facing the ventricle?

  • Simple cuboidal epithelial cells with tight junctions (modified ependyma)
  • Skeletal muscle cells
  • Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
  • Endothelial cells with fenestrations only

Correct Answer: Simple cuboidal epithelial cells with tight junctions (modified ependyma)

Q46. Pharmacokinetic implication of intraventricular drug administration is primarily:

  • Reduced CSF clearance compared to systemic dosing always
  • Bypassing BBB leading to high CSF concentration but clearance governed by CSF turnover
  • Complete drug retention in ventricles with no elimination
  • Drug distribution limited only to ventricles and not subarachnoid space

Correct Answer: Bypassing BBB leading to high CSF concentration but clearance governed by CSF turnover

Q47. Which of the following best describes communicating versus non-communicating hydrocephalus?

  • Communicating: obstruction within ventricles; Non-communicating: impaired absorption only
  • Communicating: all ventricles communicate with subarachnoid space but absorption impaired; Non-communicating: focal obstruction within the ventricular system
  • They are identical terms
  • Communicating involves only spinal CSF pathways

Correct Answer: Communicating: all ventricles communicate with subarachnoid space but absorption impaired; Non-communicating: focal obstruction within the ventricular system

Q48. Which ventricular region is immediately lateral to the third ventricle?

  • Caudate nucleus and lateral ventricles
  • Cerebellar vermis
  • Spinal cord central canal
  • Optic chiasm only

Correct Answer: Caudate nucleus and lateral ventricles

Q49. Which of the following tumors frequently occurs in the region of the lateral ventricles in adults?

  • Colloid cyst
  • Central neurocytoma
  • Medulloblastoma
  • Pineocytoma

Correct Answer: Central neurocytoma

Q50. The clinical procedure that creates a direct opening from the third ventricle floor to the subarachnoid space to treat obstructive hydrocephalus is called:

  • Lumbar puncture
  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)
  • Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt removal
  • External beam radiotherapy

Correct Answer: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)

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