choroid plexus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low Frequency / TechnicalSpecialized Technical / Medical Academic
Quick answer
What does “choroid plexus” mean?
A network of blood vessels and tissue located within the ventricles of the brain, responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A network of blood vessels and tissue located within the ventricles of the brain, responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
An essential structure in the central nervous system that not only produces CSF to cushion the brain and spinal cord but also acts as part of the blood-brain barrier and is involved in waste clearance and neuroimmune functions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent in professional contexts.
Connotations
Purely technical and anatomical. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside medical, biological, or neuroscience texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “choroid plexus” in a Sentence
The choroid plexus produces CSF.A cyst was found on the choroid plexus.The tumour originated in the choroid plexus.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “choroid plexus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The choroid plexus cyst was monitored via ultrasound.
- Choroid plexus function is vital for brain homeostasis.
American English
- The choroid plexus tumor required surgical intervention.
- Choroid plexus epithelial cells have specialized functions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in medical, neuroscience, and biology publications, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would only appear in rare patient education materials.
Technical
Core term in neuroanatomy, neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “choroid plexus”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choroid plexus”
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'choroid plexi' (incorrect, Latin plural of plexus is 'plexūs', but English plural is 'plexuses' or 'plexus' as collective).
- Mispronunciation: stressing 'choroid' on the second syllable (correct is first syllable: KOR-oid).
- Using 'choroid plexus' as a general term for any brain vessel network.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a nerve. It is a vascular structure, a network of blood vessels and specialised cells, located in the brain's ventricles.
Its primary function is to produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions the brain and spinal cord, and helps remove waste products.
Yes, though rare. Conditions include choroid plexus cysts (often harmless), papillomas (tumours), or conditions affecting CSF production like hydrocephalus.
No, it is a highly specialised medical/anatomical term. The average English speaker will not know this word unless they have studied medicine or biology.
A network of blood vessels and tissue located within the ventricles of the brain, responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Choroid plexus is usually specialized technical / medical academic in register.
Choroid plexus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrɔɪd ˈplɛksəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔrˌɔɪd ˈplɛksəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHOR' like 'chorus' (produces something) + 'OID' (shape/form) + 'PLEXUS' (a network). A network in the brain that produces the fluid chorus for the nervous system.
Conceptual Metaphor
The choroid plexus is the brain's 'filtration plant' or 'CSF factory'.
Practice
Quiz
Where is the choroid plexus located?