CEREBROSPINAL FLUID Flashcards
third major body fluid
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Functions of CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
- Supply nutrients to the nervous system
- Remove metabolic waste
- Produce a mechanical barrier to cushion the brain and spinal cord against trauma
An ultrafiltrate of plasma
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Covers and lines the brain and spinal cord
Meninges
the outer most layer, directly lines the skull and vertebral canal
Dura Mater (tough mother
filamentous inner membrane
Arachnoid Mater (spider-like)
filaments are called___
traberculae
found between arachnoid and pia mater. It is where CSF flows
Subarachnoid space
innermost later directly lines the brain and spinal cord
Pia Mater (tender mother)
it is where the plasma filtered producing CSF
Choroid Plexus
Rate of production of CSF
20mL/hr. (approx. 500 mL/hr. or 0.3-04 mL/min)
tight junctions of endothelial cells, it will prevent passage of many molecules. Protect the brain from toxins, infections and other substance that can harm the brain
Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)
maintains and regulate the volume of CSF by reabsorbing the circulating CSF back to the peripheral circulation to prevent reflux of fluid
Arachnoid villi/Granulations
Rate of absorption of CSF
20mL/hr. (approx. 500 mL/hr. or 0.3-04 mL/min)
needle is inserted between the 3rd and 4th vertebrae or 4th and 5th vertebrae
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
needle is inserted directly below the occipital bone (back of skull)
Cisternal puncture (suboccipital puncture)
More dangerous than lumbar because it near the brainstem
Cisternal puncture (suboccipital puncture)
Volume collected of CSF
20mL (maximum amount)
least affected by blood or bacteria that is introduced during the tap
Chemistry/Serology
what tube and storage temp for chem/sero tube
First; Frozen
no longer at risk of bacterial contamination due to collection
Microbiology
what tube and storage temp for mricro tube
sec; @RT
what tube and storage temp for hema tube
third; refrigerated
least likely to contain skin cells
Hematology
If 1 tube only:
Microbiology → Hematology → Chemistry and Serology
Normal Volume: *maintained by the reabsorption of fluid by arachnoid villi
* Adults:
* Neonates:
- Adults: 90 to 150mL
- Neonates: 10-60mL
Normal appearance
Crystal Clear
WBCs (>200/uL)
RBC (>400/uL)
Microorganisms
Proteins, Lipids
Hazy/Turbid/Milky/Cloudy (*meningitis)
(Abnormal discoloration of CSF)
Xanthochromia
Presence of RBC degradation products:
- slight amount of oxyhemoglobin
Pink
Presence of RBC degradation products:
- heavy hemolysis
Orange
Presence of RBC degradation products:
– conversion of oxyhemoglobin→ bilirubin (bilirachia)
Yellow
due to damage to the BBB
Increased:
Protein (>150 mg/dL)
yellow discoloration
due meningeal melanosarcoma
Increased:
Melanin
brownish
Presence of Carotene
(hypervitaminosis A) → orange discoloration
due to Rifampicin
red orange
due to Iodine
(antiseptic contamination)
yellowish
Increased RBC (>6000/uL)
Bloody
Radiographic contrast media
Oily