Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Sylvian aqueduct

Sylvian aqueduct

9.9
A narrow tube in the brain that connects the third and fourth ventricles and carries the fluid around the brain
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪlviən ˈækwɪdʌkt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acueducto de Silvio
  • The Sylvian aqueduct is crucial for the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Examples

  • MRI scans revealed a narrowing of the Sylvian aqueduct in the patient.

  • An obstruction in the Sylvian aqueduct can lead to hydrocephalus.

  • The Sylvian aqueduct is essential.

  • Can you show me the Sylvian aqueduct?

  • An obstruction in the Sylvian aqueduct can lead to hydrocephalus.

  • MRI scans revealed a narrowing of the Sylvian aqueduct in the patient.

  • The Sylvian aqueduct is crucial for the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Synonyms

cerebral aqueduct
vsSylvian aqueduct
  • Specialized
8.4

A narrow tube in the brain that joins two fluid filled spaces and lets brain fluid flow

is an alternate name used for the same structure in English
aqueductus cerebri
vsSylvian aqueduct
  • Specialized
9.9

A narrow tube in the middle of the brain that connects two fluid spaces and lets brain fluid flow

is the English alternative rather than the Latin anatomical term

Surface Forms

Sylvian aqueduct singular
Sylvian aqueducts plural

Morphology

Sylvian + aqueduct

The noun 'aqueduct' clearly signals a channel or conduit, so a learner who knows the constituents can infer this is a channel named 'Sylvian'. However, 'Sylvian' is an eponym/proper name and gives no obvious information about anatomical location or function, and the specific sense (a narrow brain canal connecting ventricles for cerebrospinal fluid) requires medical knowledge. Therefore the expression is partially transparent but not fully predictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Sylvian aqueduct may come from a doctor called Sylvian and the word aqueduct, which means a small 'water channel'. Think of a tiny water pipe that joins two spaces in the brain and lets brain fluid 'flow' between them, so the name fits what it does.