Csf Flashcards
What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord.
What are the primary functions of cerebrospinal fluid?
The primary functions of cerebrospinal fluid are to cushion the brain and spinal cord, provide buoyancy, and remove waste products.
True or False: CSF is produced in the ventricles of the brain.
True.
What structure produces cerebrospinal fluid?
The choroid plexus produces cerebrospinal fluid.
Fill in the blank: CSF circulates through the ______ and ______ of the brain and spinal cord.
ventricles; subarachnoid space.
How much cerebrospinal fluid is typically present in an adult human?
Approximately 150 milliliters of cerebrospinal fluid is typically present in an adult human.
What is the role of cerebrospinal fluid in maintaining intracranial pressure?
Cerebrospinal fluid helps to maintain intracranial pressure by providing a cushion and allowing the brain to float.
True or False: CSF is responsible for transporting oxygen to brain cells.
False.
What is the normal pressure range for cerebrospinal fluid in a healthy adult?
The normal pressure range for cerebrospinal fluid is 70-150 mm H2O.
Which condition is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of CSF in the brain?
Hydrocephalus.
Name one method used to analyze cerebrospinal fluid.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
What is the primary composition of cerebrospinal fluid?
Cerebrospinal fluid is primarily composed of water, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose.
True or False: CSF contains red blood cells.
False.
What is the blood-brain barrier?
The blood-brain barrier is a selective permeability barrier that separates the circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid.
Fill in the blank: The ______ is the outermost layer of the meninges that encases the brain and spinal cord.
dura mater.
What role does CSF play in nutrient transport?
CSF helps transport nutrients and remove waste products from the brain.
What is the name of the space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater where CSF circulates?
Subarachnoid space.
How often is cerebrospinal fluid replaced in the human body?
Cerebrospinal fluid is replaced approximately every 3 to 4 hours.
True or False: Cerebrospinal fluid can be analyzed to diagnose neurological diseases.
True.
What are the main electrolytes found in cerebrospinal fluid?
Sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride.
What is the primary route of absorption for cerebrospinal fluid?
Arachnoid granulations (villi) absorb cerebrospinal fluid into the venous system.
What is the role of CSF in brain homeostasis?
CSF helps maintain a stable environment for the brain by regulating pressure and chemical composition.
Fill in the blank: The ______ is the innermost layer of the meninges that directly covers the brain.
pia mater.
What is a common symptom of increased intracranial pressure?
Headache.
True or False: CSF can be used to administer medication directly to the central nervous system.
True.
What is the role of CSF in protecting the brain from trauma?
CSF acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the brain against impact.
Name a diagnostic procedure that involves the collection of cerebrospinal fluid.
Lumbar puncture.
What is the primary function of the arachnoid mater?
The arachnoid mater acts as a protective layer and contains the subarachnoid space filled with CSF.
Fill in the blank: Inflammation of the meninges is called ______.
meningitis.
How does cerebrospinal fluid contribute to the immune defense of the central nervous system?
CSF contains immune cells and antibodies that help protect against infection.
True or False: CSF is produced continuously throughout life.
True.
What is the significance of the CSF glucose level in diagnosing diseases?
Abnormal CSF glucose levels can indicate infections, such as bacterial meningitis.
What is a common test performed on CSF to check for infections?
Cell count and differential.
Fill in the blank: The ______ is a network of blood vessels in the ventricles that produces CSF.
choroid plexus.
What is the main circulation pathway of CSF?
From the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle, then to the fourth ventricle and into the subarachnoid space.
True or False: Cerebrospinal fluid is sterile in a healthy individual.
True.
What can elevated protein levels in CSF indicate?
Elevated protein levels can indicate conditions like multiple sclerosis or infections.
What is the condition called when there is a decrease in CSF production?
Cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Fill in the blank: The ______ is the middle layer of the meninges.
arachnoid mater.
What imaging technique is often used to visualize CSF spaces?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
True or False: CSF can be affected by tumors in the central nervous system.
True.
What is the typical appearance of cerebrospinal fluid in a healthy individual?
Clear and colorless.
How is CSF involved in the central nervous system’s response to injury?
CSF helps clear debris and inflammatory cells after injury.
What can the presence of bacteria in CSF indicate?
Bacterial meningitis or an infection.
Fill in the blank: CSF is essential for ______ and ______ of the brain.
protection; nourishment.
What is the function of the ependymal cells in the ventricles?
Ependymal cells line the ventricles and help produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.
True or False: CSF can help diagnose neurological conditions through analysis.
True.
What is the role of cerebrospinal fluid in thermoregulation of the brain?
CSF helps to dissipate heat and maintain temperature stability in the brain.
What can a low CSF white blood cell count indicate?
A low CSF white blood cell count can indicate a healthy state or absence of infection.
Fill in the blank: CSF is absorbed into the ______ system through arachnoid granulations.
venous.
What is the significance of CSF analysis in diagnosing multiple sclerosis?
CSF analysis can reveal oligoclonal bands, which are indicative of multiple sclerosis.
True or False: CSF can be influenced by systemic diseases.
True.
What are the intended learning outcomes for the cerebrospinal fluid lecture?
Discuss comprehensively the cerebrospinal fluid in terms of formation, composition, and functions.
Explain thoroughly the proper patient preparation, collection, transport and handling of CSF.
Distinguish correctly the different laboratory procedures for cerebrospinal fluid examinations and correlate the results clinically.
Differentiate CSF caused by intracranial hemorrhage and a traumatic tap.
Define and state the significance of xanthochromia.
Describe the quality control and precautions related to CSF.
What is the central nervous system composed of?
The brain and the spinal cord.
What are the three layers of membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord called?
Meninges.
What is the outermost membrane of the meninges?
Dura mater.
What is the middle membrane of the meninges?
Arachnoid mater.
What is the innermost membrane of the meninges?
Pia mater.
What are ependymal cells?
Epithelial cells that line several structures of the CNS, including the cerebral ventricle and the neural canal of the spinal cord.
What do choroidal cells form with the endothelium of capillaries?
Blood-brain barrier.
What is the blood-brain barrier?
A barrier formed by tight-fitting junctures of endothelial cells in the choroid plexuses that prevents the passage of many molecules.
Where is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced?
In the choroid plexuses of the third and fourth ventricles.
What is the rate of CSF production in adults?
20 ml/hour or 500 ml/day.
What is the total CSF volume in adults?
90-150 ml.
What are the main functions of cerebrospinal fluid?
Cushion the brain and spinal cord, supply nutrients to the nervous tissue, waste removal, maintain homeostasis.
What substances are found in cerebrospinal fluid?
Water, chloride, CO2, creatinine, glucose, urea, and lipid-soluble substances.
What is the most common method for collecting CSF?
Lumbar/spinal tap.
What is the most common site for lumbar puncture in adults?
Between the third, fourth, or fifth lumbar vertebrae.
What is the normal opening pressure for CSF in adults?
90 to 180 mmHg.
What is the order of testing for CSF if only one tube is collected?
Micro, Hema, CC/Sero (MHC).
What are indications for lumbar puncture?
Infections, hemorrhage, neurologic disease, and tumors.
What are contraindications for lumbar puncture?
Septicemia, systemic infections, localized lumbar puncture.
What is the normal appearance of cerebrospinal fluid?
Clear, colorless, and viscosity similar to water.
What does xanthochromic CSF indicate?
Old hemorrhage or traumatic tap.
What does a clotted CSF sample indicate?
Blockage to CSF circulation.
