The meninges and ventricular system

Question 1

What are the names of the membranes that protects our brain?

Answer 1

Dura mater
Arachnoid membrane
Pia mater

Question 2

The characteristics and functions of the first membrane

Answer 2

Dura mater: the thick outer membrane, pretty strong

Question 3

The characteristics and functions of the second membrane

Answer 3

Arachnoid membrane: in the middle of the three membranes. Likened to a spider web, and acts like a silky skin surface.

Question 4

The characteristics and functions of the third membrane

Answer 4

Pia mater: the membrane that lay closest to the brain. The inner and most delicate, it is hard to separate from the brain since its so thin.
Cerebrospinal fluid relies in the space in-between the arachnoid membrane and the Pia mater.

Question 5

What is the infection of the meninges called?

Answer 5

Meningitis.

Question 6

Why is an infection of the meninges so dangerous?

Answer 6

An infection involves swelling, which increases the pressure on the brain.

Question 7

What are the ventricles and how many do we have?

Answer 7

The ventricles are four chambers filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 8

Where are the ventricles located?

Answer 8

Lateral ventricles: One in each hemisphere, one on each side of the cerebral cortex.
Third ventricle: the two lateral ventricles continues downwards and joins together in the third ventricle. Which is located lower than the later ventricles superior to the thalamus.
Fourth ventricle: at the back of the pons and upper half of the medulla, anterior to cerebellum.

Question 9

How and where is the CSF produced?

Answer 9

It is produced in the lateral and third ventricles.

Question 10

What are the functions of just the CSF?

Answer 10

Clears away waste, excess fluid and immune cells.

Question 11

What are the functions of the ventricles and CSF?

Answer 11

The brain has no structural support in form of skeletal systems. Instead the brain is covered and partly filled with cerebrospinal fluid through, which allows the brain to float and regulate internal pressure. It reduces shock during rapid accelerations or decelerations, eg when we fall or struck on the head.
Can relieve pressure by varying in volume and adds nutrients.
It makes the brain feel lighter since its floating.