Hydrocephalus can occur due to inflammation of which part of the brain?

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure. The correct answer, which identifies the arachnoid villi as the area potentially affected by inflammation, is significant because these structures play a critical role in the absorption of CSF.

Inflammation of the arachnoid villi can impede their function, disrupting the reabsorption of CSF back into the venous system. This can cause the CSF to accumulate, resulting in hydrocephalus. Understanding the functional anatomy of the arachnoid villi is essential, as they are critical for maintaining the balance of CSF production and absorption.

In contrast, the choroid plexus is responsible for producing CSF; inflammation here might lead to other complications but wouldn’t directly cause hydrocephalus in the same manner as disrupted absorption. The cerebral cortex, while essential for many brain functions, does not relate directly to the mechanisms of CSF production or absorption. The subarachnoid space contains CSF but is not specifically involved in the process of absorption like the arachnoid villi. Therefore, inflammation