CSF and ICP

Question 1

CSF - location

Answer 1

Travels around the brain and spinal cord

Question 2

CSF - production

Answer 2

Produced in the choroid plexus

- by the secretory epithelium

Question 3

Location of the choroid plexus

Answer 3

Found in the lateral, 3rd and 4th ventricles

Question 4

CSF - reabsorption

Answer 4

Absorbed continuously into the venous circulation by arachnoid granulations and into the dural venous sinuses

Question 5

CSF - function

Answer 5

Mechanical protection 
- allows the brain to be suspended in the cranial cavity
Transports hormones 
Allows the exchange of nutrients 
Allows the exchange of waste products

Question 6

Name the different ventricles of the brain

Answer 6

Lateral (right and left)
3rd ventricle
4th ventricle

Question 7

Meninges - functions

Answer 7

Protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord

Question 8

Meninges - layers (3)

Answer 8

Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
- has granulations, where CSF drains
Pia mater

Question 9

Sub-arachnoid space - location

Answer 9

Between the arachnoid and pia mater

Question 10

Where is the location of CSF?

Answer 10

Sub-arachnoid space

Question 11

CSF pathway

Answer 11

Produced in choroid plexus
Travels from lateral ventricles and through the inter ventricular foramina (foramen of monroe) and into the 3rd ventricle.
CSF then travels through the cerebral aqueduct of selves and into 4th ventricle

Question 12

Where does CSF go after it reaches the 4th ventricle

Answer 12

There are different directions for CSF to travel to the sub-arachnoid space:

• paired lateral aperture (via foramen of lushka)
• single medial aperture (via foramen of magnesia)

Question 13

CSF accumulation

Answer 13

abnormal balance between the amount of CSF produced the amount drained

Question 14

Conditions related to CSF accumulation

Answer 14

Hydrocephalus

Question 15

Investigation when there is excess CSF in the body

Answer 15

Lumbar puncture

Question 16

Where is lumbar puncture carried out?

Answer 16

Below L2 vertebral level (so as not to damage spinal cord)

Question 17

Raised ICP

Answer 17

Increase in pressure within the cranial cavity

Question 18

What happens in the cranial cavity when there is a raised ICP

Answer 18

Raised ICP means that something needs to get compressed and pushed out of the cranial cavity in order to maintain a constant intracranial volume

Question 19

Causes of raised ICP

Answer 19

Over production of CSF
Inadequate drainage of CSF 
Brain tumour
Stroke 
Meningitis 
Hydrocephalus

Question 20

Blood brain barrier - function

Answer 20

Protects brain and ensures that the movement from circulatory to nervous system is highly restricted.

Question 21

Disadvantages of the blood brain barrier

Answer 21

Obstacle for drug delivery to the CNS