cerebrospinalis

Cerebrospinalis is a Latin term used in anatomy to denote elements related to the brain and spinal cord, especially the cerebrospinal system that includes the cerebrospinal fluid and the protective meninges. In modern English medical usage, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the central nervous system (CNS) terms are standard, but cerebrospinalis may appear in historical or Latin texts.

Anatomy and production: The CNS is enveloped by three membranes called the meninges: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The brain and spinal cord are bathed in CSF, which flows through the ventricular system (lateral ventricles, third and fourth ventricles) and the subarachnoid space. CSF is produced mainly by the choroid plexuses at about 500 milliliters per day in adults, with a total volume around 125 to 150 milliliters. After circulation, CSF is reabsorbed into the venous system via arachnoid granulations and the dural venous sinuses.

Functions: CSF provides mechanical protection by cushioning neural tissue, offers buoyancy to reduce effective brain weight, helps maintain ionic and pH balance, and serves as a medium for waste removal and nutrient transport.

Clinical relevance: Disturbances of CSF dynamics can cause hydrocephalus, intracranial hypotension, or meningitis, and acute subarachnoid hemorrhage alters CSF composition. Diagnostic and treatment approaches include lumbar puncture for analysis, imaging, and procedures such as CSF shunting or ventriculostomy.

Terminology note: Cerebrospinalis is primarily of historical or Latin usage; modern terminology uses cerebrospinal fluid for the fluid and cerebrospinal to describe relations to the CNS.