Blood is not the only bodily fluid, there are other fluids, but blood is the most common. The human body is made up of several bodily fluids. One of which is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Ever heard of CSF before? This clear and colorless liquid acts as a shock absorber, which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord from sudden bumps or jolts that you may have.
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by the choroid plexus, which is basically a network of cells located within the ventricles of the brain. This article will walk you through the basic things you need to know about cerebrospinal fluid.
What is The Role of The Choroid Plexus?
The choroid plexus is where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced. The choroid plexus is responsible for filtering blood, taking out waste and adding nutrients. After that, they produce cerebrospinal fluid from the filtered blood.
What is Cerebrospinal Fluid Made Up of?
CSF is mostly made up of water and several other substances like electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and white blood cells. Each of these substances play a unique role which we will look at.
- Electrolyte (sodium and potassium) = regulator of electrical activity in the brain + nerves
- Small amount of protein = infection fighter
- Glucose = Energy source
- White blood cells (WBC) = infection fighter
How Does Cerebrospinal Fluid Move?
Inside the brain there are hollow spaces called ventricles. The ventricles are usually filled with cerebrospinal fluid. From the ventricles, CSF moves through a series of pathways. Eventually, the fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
After the cerebrospinal fluid has done its job, the fluid gets absorbed back into the bloodstream. The cerebrospinal fluid is filtered and recycled. This circulation of fluid is constant, in that it is recycled and flows through the pathways, surrounds the brain, and gets absorbed all over again. This cycle keeps the brain and spinal cord protected.
Complications of Cerebrospinal Fluid
Just like any other bodily fluid, cerebrospinal fluid is as important. It has a couple of functions it does in the body, like protecting the brain and spinal cord. Regardless of cerebrospinal fluid’s relevance, there can still be some complications. Cerebrospinal fluid can become too much and that can happen for different reasons.
It could be that the cerebrospinal fluid isn’t properly absorbed into the bloodstream, or there is a blockage in the pathway that the fluid usually flows through. When that happens, it can lead to a condition called hydrocephalus, where the extra CSF fluid puts pressure on the brain.
Furthermore, there is extra cerebrospinal fluid between the brain and spinal cord, and it can damage the brain. This can affect the memory area of the brain among others. In extreme cases, it can even be life-threatening. Hydrocephalus can also affect kids causing their heads to enlarge, and lead to developmental delays.
Conclusion
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a bodily fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord from damage like sudden head bumps or jolts. It is made of different substances that work together to keep the brain and spinal cord healthy. But if there’s too much CSF or if it’s not absorbed properly, it can lead to serious issues like hydrocephalus.
