Table of Contents

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It plays critical roles in mechanical protection, metabolic support, and intracranial pressure regulation.

๐Ÿงช Composition

Component Normal Value
Volume (adult) 140 โ€“ 270 mL
Opening pressure 10 โ€“ 20 cmHโ‚‚O
pH ~7.33
Glucose 45 โ€“ 80 mg/dL
Protein 15 โ€“ 45 mg/dL
WBC 0 โ€“ 5 cells/ฮผL (lymphocytes)

๐Ÿง  Functions

๐Ÿ”„ Circulation Pathway

  1. Produced in the choroid plexus of the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles.
  2. Flows:
    1. Lateral ventricles โ†’ Foramina of Monro โ†’
    2. Third ventricle โ†’ Aqueduct of Sylvius โ†’
    3. Fourth ventricle โ†’ Foramina of Luschka and Magendie โ†’
    4. Subarachnoid space โ†’ Arachnoid villi โ†’ Superior sagittal sinus.

๐Ÿงฌ Clinical Relevance

Lumbar Puncture (LP)

Hydrocephalus

CSF Shunting

CSF Leak