CSF

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty	Neurology, Neurosurgery
Symptoms
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes
Risks
Diagnosis	Lumbar puncture
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
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Medication
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Deaths

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid found within the brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system (CNS). It acts as a cushion or buffer for the brain's cortex, providing a basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain inside the skull, and serves a vital function in the cerebral autoregulation of cerebral blood flow.

Production and Composition

CSF is produced by the choroid plexus, a series of blood vessel-filled plexuses which project from the ventricles of the brain. It is composed of water, glucose, proteins, and ions, with a composition that is regulated by the blood-brain barrier. The production rate of CSF is approximately 500 mL per day.

Function

The primary function of CSF includes:

• Protecting the brain and spinal cord from trauma
• Supplying nutrients to nervous system tissue
• Removing waste products from cerebral metabolism

CSF also facilitates the distribution of neuroendocrine factors, signaling molecules, and drugs to remote sites of action within the brain, and it may also have a role in regulating cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure.

Pathology

Alterations in the composition, volume, or flow of CSF can lead to several medical conditions, including hydrocephalus, meningitis, and intracranial pressure. Diagnostic tests such as lumbar puncture can help in assessing the condition of the CSF and diagnosing these diseases.

Clinical Significance

CSF analysis can provide valuable diagnostic information in various neurological diseases. Changes in the CSF composition can indicate diseases such as infections (bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis), multiple sclerosis, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

See Also

• Blood-brain barrier
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Brain
• Spinal cord

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