Final answer:
The interventricular foramina connect the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle, allowing CSF to pass through. The third ventricle is part of the ventricular system, which is pivotal for CSF circulation in the central nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structure that connects the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle is called the interventricular foramina. These are openings that allow for the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the ventricles. The third ventricle is a narrow space found within the diencephalon, flanked by the thalamus on each side, representing the walls of the ventricle. The ventricular system continues as the CSF flows from the third ventricle through the cerebral aqueduct, located in the midbrain, into the fourth ventricle.
The ventricular system is critical for the production, circulation, and drainage of CSF, which cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing mechanical and immunological protection. The lateral and third ventricles including the interventricular foramina and the cerebral aqueduct form an essential part of this system, ensuring the continuous flow of CSF through the central nervous system.