Answer to Question #330962 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Emm

Question

Using named meninges and ventricles state the functions of cerebrospinal fluid and where it circulates. (10%- 5 marks for meninges and ventricles, 5 for functions of CSF).( short answer please)

Answer 1

The main functions of CSF are:

- to cushion the brain and spinal cord when they're struck with mechanical force, 

-to provide basic immunological protection to the CNS, to remove metabolic waste,

- to transport neuromodulators and neurotransmitters and 

-to nourish nervous tissue of the brain and spinal cord.

The CSF flows from the lateral ventricles, through the foramen of the Monro(interventricular opening) to the third ventricle. Then, it passes to the 4th ventricles through cerebral aqueduct (of Sylvius). From the fourth ventricle, the CSF  flow down the central canal of the spinal cord ,laterally from the foramen of Lushka to cerebellopontine cistern ,  medially from the foramen of Magendie to the cisterna magna to the subarachnoid space( space between pia mater and arachnoid mater).  It is  absorbed into the dural venous sinuses( space between periosteal and meningeal layers of dura mater)through arachnoid granulations.