Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Circulatory Pathway, show the major pathway of CSF flow. Beginning in the lateral ventricles, CSF flows through two passageways into the third ventricle. From the third ventricle it flows down a long, narrow passageway (the aqueduct of Sylvius) into the fourth ventricle. From the fourth ventricle it passes through three small openings (foramina) into the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CSF is absorbed through blood vessels over the surface of the brain back into the bloodstream. Some absorption also occurs through the lymphatic system. Once in the bloodstream, it is carried away and filtered by our kidneys and liver in the same way as are our other body fluids.