Mænuvökvi

Mænuvökvi is a term originating from Old Norse, literally translating to "spinal fluid" or "water of the spine." In modern Icelandic, it refers to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This fluid plays a crucial role in protecting the central nervous system from injury by acting as a shock absorber. It also provides nutrients to the brain and spinal cord and removes waste products.

The production of mænuvökvi occurs primarily in the choroid plexuses within the ventricles of the brain. It circulates through the ventricular system and the subarachnoid space, eventually being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. The volume of mænuvökvi in an adult human is typically around 100-160 milliliters. Changes in its composition or pressure can indicate various neurological conditions.

Medical professionals can analyze mænuvökvi through a procedure called a lumbar puncture, often referred to as a spinal tap. This analysis can help diagnose infections, inflammatory diseases, and other disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord. While the term "mænuvökvi" is specific to Icelandic, the concept it represents, cerebrospinal fluid, is fundamental to understanding the physiology and pathology of the central nervous system globally.