aivoselkäydinnesteeseen

Aivoselkäydinneste, also known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is produced in the choroid plexuses, which are located within the ventricles of the brain. CSF circulates through the ventricles, the subarachnoid space, and the central canal of the spinal cord.

The primary functions of CSF are to protect the central nervous system, provide buoyancy to the brain, remove waste products, and transport nutrients. The cushioning effect of CSF helps to protect the brain and spinal cord from physical trauma. Its buoyant properties reduce the effective weight of the brain, preventing it from being crushed under its own weight.

CSF also plays a role in the regulation of intracranial pressure and the removal of metabolic waste products from the brain. Furthermore, it acts as a medium for the transport of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules within the central nervous system.

Analysis of CSF can provide valuable diagnostic information for a variety of neurological conditions, including infections (like meningitis), inflammation, and certain cancers. This analysis is typically performed through a lumbar puncture, commonly referred to as a spinal tap. Abnormalities in the composition, pressure, or volume of CSF can indicate underlying pathology.