Anatomy of the brain: The Cerebrospinal Fluid CSF

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The cerebrospinal fluid or CSF is the liquid that bathes the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord).

The CSF ensures:
– The protection of the central nervous system against mechanical shocks and vibrations.
– it plays an important role in the regulation of intracranial pressure.
– It participates in the cerebral metabolic processes by regulating the exchange of substances. and, provides many other functions as well.

The CSF circulates in two different compartments:
– The first is the inner brain ependymal cavities or ventricles,
– the second is the compartment surrounding the central nervous system, it corresponds to the sub-arachnoid space.

The CSF is secreted by the choroid plexus: clusters of capillary blood vessels located in the ventricular system.

The ventricular system consists of four ventricles connected by many channels.

It is connected to the central canal of the spinal cord.

There are two lateral ventricles, occupying the center of the cerebral hemispheres. Both are connected to the third ventricle at the center of the diencephalon by the foramina of Monro.

The third ventricle is connected to the fourth ventricle in the brainstem by the aqueduct of Sylvius.

The CSF will leave the fourth ventricle through the foramen of Magendie to fill the sub-arachnoid space between the pia mater and the arachnoid.

The CSF is then absorbed at the top of the skull by the arachnoid granulations of Pakioni.


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