Lecture 8 9/5/23 Flashcards
What are the characteristics of normal cerebrospinal fluid?
-clear and colorless
-small amount of protein
-few lymphocytes
-very similar to water
How can disease impact CSF?
increase the amount of protein and/or lymphocytes in the fluid
What are the ventricles in the brain?
-2 lateral
-3rd
-4th
What structure allows the 3rd ventricle to drain into the 4th ventricle?
mesencephalic aqueduct
What is the role of the lateral apertures of the 4th ventricle?
allow CSF to drain into the sub-arachnoid space
If the CSF doesn’t drain from the 4th ventricle into the sub-arachnoid space, where does it go?
central canal of the spinal cord
What is the function of the choroid plexus?
produce CSF
What are the characteristics of CSF production?
-occurs in each ventricle
-by-product of brain metabolism
-constant production
-involves active transport of Na+ (needs energy!)
How does the choroid plexus produce CSF?
-choroid plexus is very vascular
-blood flows into choroid plexus and is filtered
-excess serum fluid becomes CSF
Which enzyme is involved in CSF production?
carbonic anhydrase
How does the CSF flow?
-rostrally to caudally
-from lateral ventricles, to 3rd ventricle, to 4th ventricle and out
What causes the CSF to flow?
pulsation of blood in the choroid plexus with each heart beat
Where is CSF reabsorbed?
in the sub-arachnoid space
What structures allow for reabsorption of CSF?
arachnoid villi
How do arachnoid villi allow for reabsorption of CSF?
-arachnoid villi protrude up into venous sinus
-when pressure increases, villi act as one way valve and allow CSF out into bloodstream
-one way valve prevents blood flow into CNS