Ventricles and CSF

Question 1

What type of cells line the ventricles?

Answer 1

Ependymal cells

Question 2

What is the role of ependymal cells?

Answer 2

Production of CSF

Question 3

True or False:

CSF is a major part of the extracellular fluid of the PNS.

Answer 3

False; CNS

Question 4

What is the normal volume of CSF in our CNS?

Answer 4

150 ccs

Question 5

The choroid plexus can produce how many cc’s of CSF per day?

Answer 5

About 500 ccs; replaced 4 time each day

Question 6

List some functions of CSF.

Answer 6

1. Mechanical support of the brain
2. Removes products of metabolism or synaptic activity
3. Route for nutrients to reach CNS
4. Route of communication within CNS

Question 7

What is the major difference between CSF and plasma?

Answer 7

Presence of protein

Question 8

Where are most choroid plexuses located of all the ventricles?

Answer 8

Lateral ventricles

Question 9

Is CSF actively secreted or passively secreted from choroid plexus?

Answer 9

Actively secreted; ATP is involved

Question 10

Where do we perform a lumbar puncture on an adult?

Answer 10

Between L4-L5

Question 11

How can we test for composition of CSF?

Answer 11

Performing a lumbar puncture

Question 12

True or False:

Normal CSF is colorless

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What are cisterns?

Answer 13

Comparatively, they are expansive subarachnoid spaces in certain regions of the brain

Large ones, at that

Question 14

Describe the pathway of CSF.

Answer 14

…

Question 15

What 3 factors help with CSF flow?

Answer 15

1. Choroid plexus
2. Pulsating of arteries
3. Cilia of ependymal cells

Question 16

How is CSF reabsorbed?

Answer 16

CSF is reabsorbed by arachnoid granulations in the dural sinus

Question 17

Name the five cisterns where CSF flows in the brain.

Answer 17

1. Interpeduncular cistern
2. Pontine cistern
3. Quadrigeminal cistern
4. Cisterna magnum

Question 18

Name the parts of the lateral ventricle (rostral to caudal)

Answer 18

1. Anterior
2. Posterior
3. Inferior

Question 19

On the coronal section, how does the lateral ventricle appear anteriorly? Posteriorly?

Answer 19

Anterior = triangular
Posterior = rectangular

Question 20

The third ventricle is transversed by what grey matter?

Answer 20

Interthalamic adhesion

Tells us third ventricle is at the level of thalamus

Question 21

Why is an increase in cranial pressure so critical?

Answer 21

Our skulls hold a fixed volume (1400-1700ccs), no more, no less. If volume exceeds this amount, damage can occur to the brain.

Question 22

What could be some causes of increased intracranial pressure?

Answer 22

1. Trauma
2. Brain tumors
3. Stroke
4. Aneurysm rupture
5. Hydrocephalus
6. Meningitis

Question 23

List some signs of increased ICP.

Answer 23

1. Headache
2. Altered mental status
3. Diploplia
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Papilladema
6. Cushings Triad: hypertension, bradycardia, irregular breathing
7. Strabismus (abnormal alignment of eyes)

Question 24

What is communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 24

A deficiency in the reabsorption of CSF due to damage of arachnoid granulations

Question 25

What is noncommunicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 25

Critical condition when excessive amounts of CSF are produced, there is an obstruction of CSF flow, or lack of reabsorption in CSF flow.

Enlargement of head

Obstruction in cerebral aqueduct or interventricular foramen