Station 2: Ventricles Flashcards
What are the main functions of the ventricular system and CSF?
Ventricular system: carry/produce/CSF flow
CSF:
- protection, cushioning, buffering
- chemical stability
- buoyancy
- decreased weight of brain by 97% therefore decreasing pressure on brain stem structures
- brain nourishment
- carrier of chemical signals -> hormones
How much CSF is produced per day?
600-700ml per day
0.2 - 0.7ml per minute
Where is the CSF produced?
Continuously produced by the choroid plexuses of all ventricles.
The CSF then fills into the sub-arachnoid space and spinal cord.
What structure separates the lateral ventricles?
Connected via the 3rd ventricle
What structure connects the lateral and third ventricle?
Interventricular foramen
What structure connects the third and fourth ventricle?
Cerebral aqueduct
What structure connects the fourth ventricle and subarachnoid space?
Median and lateral apertures
What is the flow of CSF from the subarachnoid space?
Flow to the spinal cord via the central spinal canal, ending in the filum terminale.
Flow to the dural sinuses is via the arachnoid villi and granulations, ending in the venous system.
What happens if there is a clot or trauma that obstructs the circulation or drainage of CSF? What is this called?
CSF is produced and drained at a constant rate.
If there is an obstruction, it would accumulate and result in raised intracranial pressure = HYDROCEPHALUS
Fracture of which bones would allow leakage of CSF through the nose and ears?
Petrous part of the temporal bone
Ethmoid bone
What is the substance that is tested for to confirm the presence of CSF?
Beta-2 transferrin
How can a raised ICP alter the anatomy of the ventricles?
It can distort the ventricles (lol this is a good answer)
