Terminal ventricle

The terminal ventricle (ventriculus terminalis, or fifth ventricle) is widest part of the central canal of the spinal cord that is located at or near the conus medullaris. It was described by Stilling in 1859 and Krause in 1875. Krause introduced the term fifth ventricle after observation of normal ependymal cells. The central canal expands as a fusiform terminal ventricle, and approximately 8–10 mm in length in the conus medullaris (or conus terminalis). Although the terminal ventricle is visible in the fetus and children, but is usually absent in adults.