CEREBROSPINAL FLUID Meaning and
Definition
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear and colorless liquid that circulates within the cavities of the brain and spinal cord, as well as in the space between the arachnoid and pia mater membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It plays a vital role in protecting and supporting the central nervous system.
Composed primarily of water, CSF also contains various inorganic salts, glucose, proteins, and other substances that are essential for maintaining the delicate chemical environment of the brain and spinal cord. It is produced by specialized cells in the choroid plexus, which are located in the ventricles of the brain.
The primary functions of cerebrospinal fluid include cushioning the brain and spinal cord against mechanical shock and injury, facilitating the exchange of nutrients and waste products between nervous tissue and blood vessels, and regulating the pressure within the brain. It serves as a protective barrier, helping to maintain a stable and optimal environment for neural activity.
Any disruption or imbalance in the production, circulation, or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid can lead to various neurological conditions. Disorders such as hydrocephalus, meningitis, and certain tumors can result in abnormal accumulation or blockage of CSF, causing increased pressure on the brain and impairing its function.
Medical professionals often tap into the cerebrospinal fluid through a procedure called lumbar puncture (or spinal tap) to obtain a sample for diagnostic purposes, such as testing for infections or other abnormalities within the central nervous system.
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• A fluid, secreted chiefly by the choroid plexuses of the lateral ventricles of the brain, filling the ventricles and the subarachnoid cavities of the brain and spinal cord; it is composed of serum globulin, 0.085; extractives, 0.06; salts, 0.855; water, 99.0.
• The f. contained in the ventricles of the brain, the central canal of the spinal cord, and the subarachnoid space.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
- xerebrospinal fluid
- verebrospinal fluid
- ferebrospinal fluid
- derebrospinal fluid
- cwrebrospinal fluid
- csrebrospinal fluid
- cdrebrospinal fluid
- crrebrospinal fluid
- c4rebrospinal fluid
- c3rebrospinal fluid
- ceeebrospinal fluid
- cedebrospinal fluid
- cefebrospinal fluid
- cetebrospinal fluid
- ce5ebrospinal fluid
- ce4ebrospinal fluid
- cerwbrospinal fluid
- cersbrospinal fluid
- cerdbrospinal fluid
Etymology of CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
The word "cerebrospinal fluid" is derived from the Latin words "cerebrum" meaning "brain" and "spīnālis" meaning "spinal". "Cerebro-" refers to the brain, and "spinal" refers to the spine. The word "fluid" refers to its liquid nature. Thus, the term "cerebrospinal fluid" describes the clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Similar spelling word for CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
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