Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid present in the ventricles (core cavities) of the brain, in the central canal that runs through the core of the spinal cord, and in the subarachnoid space that surrounds the entire outer surface of the brain and spinal cord (Figure 15-1).
The CSF contains almost no blood cells and little protein. Its rates of formation, flow, and absorption are sufficiently high to cause its replacement several times daily. Sampling its pressure, cell count, and levels of various biochemical constituents is a common diagnostic procedure called a spinal tap.
Injecting radiopaque dyes into the CSF of the subarachnoid space is the basis of a common neuroradiographic technique called myelography that can assess the integrity of the spinal canal. Obstruction of the flow of CSF produces a condition called hydrocephalus. An understanding of the formation, flow, and absorption of CSF is essential for understanding these diagnostic procedures and the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus.The blood-brain barrier refers to the selective nature of central nervous system (CNS) blood vessels with respect to the materials that can move across their walls, compared with blood vessels in other parts of the body. Understanding the blood-brain barrier helps clarify why it is difficult to deliver certain drugs effectively to the brain.
More on the topic Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid present in the ventricles (core cavities) of the brain, in the central canal that runs through the core of the spinal cord, and in the subarachnoid space that surrounds the entire outer surface of the brain and spinal cord (Figure 15-1).:
-
Veterinarian -