Aivoselkävesissä

Aivoselkävesissä, also known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is a clear, colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a cushion, protecting the central nervous system from injury. CSF also plays a vital role in nutrient transport and waste removal for brain cells.

The production of CSF occurs primarily in the choroid plexuses, which are specialized capillaries located within the ventricles of the brain. From there, it circulates through the ventricular system, then into the subarachnoid space, a layer between the arachnoid mater and pia mater membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Finally, CSF is reabsorbed into the bloodstream through the arachnoid villi.

The volume of CSF in an adult human is typically around 150 milliliters. Its composition is similar to plasma, but with fewer proteins and a different electrolyte balance. Measuring and analyzing CSF is a crucial diagnostic tool in medicine. Procedures like lumbar puncture (spinal tap) allow healthcare professionals to obtain CSF samples for examination. Abnormalities in CSF composition, pressure, or the presence of pathogens can indicate a range of neurological conditions, including infections like meningitis, inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer. Changes in CSF dynamics can also signal conditions like hydrocephalus, where there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain.