Cerebrospinal Fluid (1) Flashcards
What are the roles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
Cushions the brain, protecting it from minor impacts.
Transports nutrients and signaling chemicals.
Removes waste matter.
Describe the pathway of CSF flow in the brain.
Lateral Ventricles (in each hemisphere).
Flows into the third ventricle via a midline passage.
Travels through the cerebral aqueduct to the fourth ventricle (between cerebellum and pons).
Exits to circulate over the brain and spinal cord via openings near the cerebellum.
What is the function of the choroid plexus?
The choroid plexus is a specialized membrane that lines the ventricles and produces CSF by filtering blood.
What is hydrocephalus and how does it occur?
Hydrocephalus is a condition where blocked CSF flow causes the ventricles to expand, leading to symptoms depending on the affected brain structures.
What are the functions of the glymphatic system?
Drains waste-bearing CSF-derived fluids.
Distributes nutrients, immune components, and signaling substances.
Provides potential drug delivery routes to the brain.
Why is the glymphatic system important during sleep?
Most glymphatic clearance occurs during sleep, and its impairment is linked to sleep disorders and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
How much energy does the brain consume compared to its size?
Despite being only 2% of body mass, the brain uses 20% of the body’s energy at rest.
What are the main arteries supplying the brain?
Carotid Arteries (neck).
Vertebral Arteries (in vertebrae, fusing to form the basilar artery).
What is the blood-brain barrier and what is its function?
The blood-brain barrier is a selective barrier formed by capillaries in the brain, restricting the passage of large molecules to protect the brain from infections and toxins, though it complicates drug delivery.
What is a stroke and what causes it?
A stroke occurs when there is interrupted blood flow to the brain, leading to severe tissue damage.
Why is understanding the brain’s reliance on CSF, the glymphatic system, and blood supply important?
It highlights critical protective mechanisms and vulnerabilities that impact brain health and disease management.
