Physiology Flashcards
Describe the appearance of CSF
Clear, colourless mostly composed of water
Where is CSF produced?
Secretory epithelium of the choroid plexus in the ventricles
What is the volume of CSF circulating in the CNS at any one time?
150ml
State three major function of CSF
- Mechanical protection (shock absorber of which the brain sits in)
- Homeostatic function (pH and transport of hormones)
- Circulation (exchange of nutrients/waste)
How obtained for analysis?
Lumbar puncture
How does the choroid fissure develop?
Arteries invaginate the roof of the ventricle to form the choroid tissue, this causes the ependymal cells and vessels to enlarge to villi and form the plexus
What causes hydrocephalus?
CSF outflow obstruction which can cause enlargement of the ventricular space
How are the ependymal cells held together?
Tight junctions
What ions are involved in the production of CSF from blood?
Na+
Cl-
HCO3-
How does fluid move across the membrane?
Active sodium transport, electrical gradient pull chloride and water moves by osmosis
How is CSF different to blood?
Lower potassium, glucose and protein
Higher sodium and chlorine
Is the production of CSF active or passive?
Active process does not depend on arterial BP
How many ventricles are there?
Two lateral, a third and a fourth
State the connections between the ventricles
Foramen of monroe - laterals to third
Aqueduct of sylvius - third to fourth
Foramen of magendie and foramen of luschka - fourth ventricle to subarachnoid space
Where does the CSF go from the subarachnoid space?
Drains into the arachnoid villi of dural venous sinuses
What does the blood brain barrier consist of?
Capillary endothelium, its basal membrane and perivascular astrocytes
In the BBB what type of junction are between the endothelial cells?
Tight junctions - prevent paracellular movement
Do all areas of the brain have a BBB?
No - circumventricular organs and the pineal gland do not
Name three types of tumour related to CSF
- colloid cyst (often in interventricular foramen)
- ependymonas
- choroid plexus tumour
What can ventricular haemorrhage result in?
- epidural haematoma
- subdural haematoma
- subarachnoid haematoma
What are the symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Headache and visual disturbance
What is papilloedema?
Optic disc swelling due to increased intracranial pressure as a result of excess CSF
What are the symptoms of papilloedema?
Enlarged blind spot, blurring of vision and visual obscurations
What is the serious complication of papilloedema?
Compression of optic nerve which can lead to loss of vision
Describe aqueous humour
Fluid that provides oxygen, metabolites and bicarbonate to the structures within the eye