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Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions | Introduction| Composition

What is Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Cerebrospinal Fluid one of the significant Body Fluid which is free from or Devoid of Red Blood Cells. Due to this characteristic CSF appear Colorless. While CSF is formed by the Choroid Plexus of Brain. It is basically an ultrafiltrate form of the plasma. In the central ventricles, spinal canal, and subarachnoid spaces Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is present. Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions are described below:

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

Analysis of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) shows that it consists of the following Composition:

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions

CSF Normal Values

  1. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is alkaline fluid and its pH same as blood has which range is (7.35 to 7.40).
  2. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Total Volume is 100-150ml. But in Adults, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) volume ranges from140 to 270 ml.
  3. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) has a Specific Gravity ranges from 1.003 to 1.008.
  4. The rate of production of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) ranges between 0.2 – 0.7 ml per minute or 600-700 ml per day.
  5. The circulation of CSF is helpful by the Ciliary movement of Ependymal Cells and Choroid Plexus Pulsations.
  6. Normally Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is basically an opaque, clear, colorless and transparent fluid.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions

Cerebrospinal Fluid Composition

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) consist of more or less similar composition to that of Plasma. But Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) didn’t contain Colloids. While its composition values are given below:

  • Protein               20-45 mg /dl
  • glucose             40-80 mg /dl
  • Chloride            700-750 mg /dl
  • Urea                    20 – 40 mg/dl
  • Uric acid            1 – 7 mg/dl
  • Sodium                300 – 350 mg/dl
  • Potassium          11-15 mg/dl
  • Calcium              4 – 5 mg /dl
  • Phosphorous    1 – 1.5 mg/dl

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions are given below:

  1. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) make a Jacket around the Brain and Spinal Cord. Which acts as the Protective Jacket.
  2. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) act as a cushioned material and balance Pressure on the nervous structures like Brain and Spinal Cord.
  3. Its significant function is to regulate the  Cranium contents by acting as a Reservoir.
  4. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)  also plays a vital role in the nutrient exchange between the Nervous System.
  5. It also helps in the removal of waste material from the Brain.
  6. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)  plays a significant role in maintaining Homeostasis and  Central Nervous System Metabolism.

CSF Flow Chart

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions

 

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

Due to Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage, the fluid composition of CSF is changed and caused the following diseases in Human Beings:

  1. Meningitis
  2. Encephalitis
  3. Neurosyphilis
  4. Poliomyelitis
  5. Disseminated sclerosis
  6. Spinal and brain tumor
  7. Cerebral hemorrhage

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions

(CSF) Flow Diagram

Cerebrospinal Fluid Functions