The angioarchitecture of the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle of the rabbit: A scanning electron microscopic study of vascular corrosion casts

Abstract

The vascularization of the choroid plexus of the rabbit's lateral ventricle has been studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. Based on the vascular patterns discerned, the plexus was subdivided into 6 different parts: the inferior, lateral, central and superior parts, the free margin and the lingula. These differ in structure and localization. While the arterial supply of the inferior part is via the anterior choroidal artery, the central and superior part are supplied by the posterior choroidal arteries. Three main veins leave the plexus and drain to the basilar vein from the inferior part and to the internal cerebral vein from the inferior, central and superior part. Capillary diameters were typically 10-15 micron. Regular nodular thickenings up to 24 micron in diameter were seen in the free margin and the superior, lateral and inferior parts. 'Garland' shaped capillary configurations sheathing arteries as well as veins were found all over the plexus. It is suggested that these 6 different parts of the plexus described here may reflect functionally different areas.