CEREBROSPINAL FLUID Flashcards
3RD MAJOR BODY FLUID
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Function of CSF
- supply nutrients to the nervous system
- remove metabolic waste
- produce a mechanical barrier to cushion brain and spinal
Outermost layer; directly lines skull and vertebral canal
DURA MATER (TOUGH MOTHER)
Lines/Covers the brain
MENINGES
Spider-like appearance (filamentous)
Arachnoid mater
Located between PM and AM where CSF flows
SUBARACHNOID SPACE
Innermost layer, directly lines brain and spinal cord
Pia Mater (tough mother)
Filters plasma to produce CSF
Choroid plexus
Rate of production/filtration
20 mL/hr
Choroid plexus are composed of
Tight junctions of endothelial cells which make up BB
Prevents passage of many molecules, protects brain from infection
Blood brain barrier
Regulates CSF production by reabsorbing circulating CSF
Arachnoid villi/Granulations
LUMBAR PUNCTURE (spinal tap) is inserted
3rd and 4th
4th and 5th
Cisternal Puncture
Inserted directly below OCCIPITAL BONE
Volume collected
20 mL
TUBES FOR COLLECTION
1st - Chemistry/Serology (frozen)
2nd - Microbiology (Room Temp)
3rd - Hematology (Refrigerated)
1 TUBE ONLY
MICRO —> HEMA —> CHEM/SERO
CSF VOLUME
ADULT: 90-150 mL
NEONATES: 10-60 mL
Crystal Clear
Normal
Hazy/turbid/Milky/Cloudy
- Meningitis
- > 20 uL
- > 400 /uL RBC
- Microorganisms
- Proteins and Lipids
Slight amount of Oxyhemoglobin
Pink
Heavy hemolysis
Orange
Yellow
Oxyhemoglobin —> Bilirubin
Increased Protein >150 mg/dL
Yellow
Due to damage BBB
Presence of Melanin
Brownish
Meningeal Melanosarcoma
Presence of Carotene
Carotene - Precursor of vitamin A
Hypervitaminosis A
- Orange
Red-Orange Color
Rifampicin
Iodine
Yellowish (Antiseptic contamination)
Bloody
Increased RBC >600 uL
Oily
Radiographic Contrast Media
Clotted (Fibrinogen)
Menigitis
Froin syndrome
Traumatic Tap
Pellicle (web-like)
Tubular Meningitis
Refrigerated
Water-like
Normal
Viscous
Metastatic mucin-producing adenocarcinoma
Cryptoccocus menigitis (Polysaccharide capsule)
Liquid Nucleus Pulposus
