Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid (also know as CSF) is a clear liquid that flows around the brain and the spinal cord. CSF cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord, as well as provides nutrients and removes waste.
CSF is produced in the lateral ventricles, which are fluid-filled spaces in the middle of the brain. The CSF then flows from the lateral ventricles into the third ventricle, then into the fourth ventricle. Once it leaves the ventricles, CSF flows around the head in the subarachnoid space (space between the surface of the brain and tissues called the meninges). Once the CSF has circulated around the brain and spinal cord, it is reabsorbed in the dural sinuses.
Pathway of CSF
The meninges protect the brain and spinal cord, as well as contain the CSF. The meninges are made up of three layers: dura, arachnoid and the pia.
Meninges
Dura: outermost and toughest layer. It attaches to the skull as well as the arachnoid layer.
Arachnoid: spider-like layer of connective tissue between the dura and the pia.
Pia: innermost layer, which wraps around the brain and spinal cord. This layer is where blood vessels are located, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain and spinal cord.
