Magendie and Luschka: Holes in the 4th ventricle

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a complex liquid formed mainly by the choroid plexuses. After filling the ventricular system where it circulates, CSF flows out to the subarachnoid spaces through openings in the 4th ventricle. Following numerous studies on CSF pathways, these openings were first discovered in the 19th century by two notable researchers, François Magendie and Hubert von Luschka, who described the median and lateral openings subsequently named after them. Even after the studies of Axel Key and Gustav Magnus Retzius confirming these openings, their existence was questioned by many anatomists, yet acknowledged by others. Finally gaining the acceptance of all, recognition of the holes endures to the present day. Interest in these openings may be attributed to the several congenital or acquired pathological conditions that may affect them, usually associated with hydrocephalus. We report some historical aspects of these apertures and their discoverers.

The functional anatomy of the foramina of Luschka revisited

“…He was ennobled and received his honorary degree in 1865, a year before his death leaving his successor Wilhelm Henke (1834–1896). [ 6 ]…”

“…The union of the floor and roof of the fourth ventricle on either side form the lateral recess, which opens at the CPA by the FOL. [ 6 ] Thus, the orifice of FOL views on two sides; a ventricular side caudally into the lateral recess and a cisternal side rostra-laterally into the cerebellomedullary cistern. FOL is commonly described as lateral apertures or openings of the fourth ventricle.…”

“…He assumed that this liquid must have its pathway outward the ventricles but did not describe the mechanism. [ 6 ] CSF then passes to cisterns, cerebral and spinal subarachnoid spaces, and sulci to be absorbed by arachnoid granulations.…”

“…Second, the correction of this description was achieved by the discovery of FOL in (1855) by Hubert Von Luschka (1820–1875). Finally, the ratification of Luschka’s findings was crowned by the dynamic experiments (1875) of Axel Key (1832–1901) and Gustav Magnus Retzius (1842–1919), as they mentioned in their book “Studies in the Anatomy of the Nervous System and the Connective Tissue.”[ 6 ]…”

“…Albrecht Von Haller (1708–1777) gave the idea of brain liquid and the possibility of a default outlet of this liquid (1747). [ 6 ] Afterward, Domenico Cotugno (1736–1822) was credited with discovering CSF in (1764). Then, Bichat (1771–1802) described a distinct channel ending in the third ventricle (1799).…”