Ventricles and CSF Flashcards
What type of cells line the ventricles?
Ependymal cells
What is the role of ependymal cells?
Production of CSF
True or False:
CSF is a major part of the extracellular fluid of the PNS.
False; CNS
What is the normal volume of CSF in our CNS?
150 ccs
The choroid plexus can produce how many cc’s of CSF per day?
About 500 ccs; replaced 4 time each day
List some functions of CSF.
- Mechanical support of the brain
- Removes products of metabolism or synaptic activity
- Route for nutrients to reach CNS
- Route of communication within CNS
What is the major difference between CSF and plasma?
Presence of protein
Where are most choroid plexuses located of all the ventricles?
Lateral ventricles
Is CSF actively secreted or passively secreted from choroid plexus?
Actively secreted; ATP is involved
Where do we perform a lumbar puncture on an adult?
Between L4-L5
How can we test for composition of CSF?
Performing a lumbar puncture
True or False:
Normal CSF is colorless
True
What are cisterns?
Comparatively, they are expansive subarachnoid spaces in certain regions of the brain
Large ones, at that
Describe the pathway of CSF.
…
What 3 factors help with CSF flow?
- Choroid plexus
- Pulsating of arteries
- Cilia of ependymal cells
How is CSF reabsorbed?
CSF is reabsorbed by arachnoid granulations in the dural sinus
Name the five cisterns where CSF flows in the brain.
- Interpeduncular cistern
- Pontine cistern
- Quadrigeminal cistern
- Cisterna magnum
Name the parts of the lateral ventricle (rostral to caudal)
- Anterior
- Posterior
- Inferior
On the coronal section, how does the lateral ventricle appear anteriorly? Posteriorly?
Anterior = triangular Posterior = rectangular
The third ventricle is transversed by what grey matter?
Interthalamic adhesion
Tells us third ventricle is at the level of thalamus
Why is an increase in cranial pressure so critical?
Our skulls hold a fixed volume (1400-1700ccs), no more, no less. If volume exceeds this amount, damage can occur to the brain.
What could be some causes of increased intracranial pressure?
- Trauma
- Brain tumors
- Stroke
- Aneurysm rupture
- Hydrocephalus
- Meningitis
List some signs of increased ICP.
- Headache
- Altered mental status
- Diploplia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Papilladema
- Cushings Triad: hypertension, bradycardia, irregular breathing
- Strabismus (abnormal alignment of eyes)
What is communicating hydrocephalus?
A deficiency in the reabsorption of CSF due to damage of arachnoid granulations
What is noncommunicating hydrocephalus?
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
