What is the cerebrospinal fluid?

cerebrospinal fluid is a pure fluid that surrounds the brain and provides protection and support organ. The fluid is produced and excreted by cells in the brain called ependymal cells. Some infections and diseases can be diagnosed by testing samples of cerebrospinal fluid. More than half of the choroid plexus consists of episndymal cells arranged in many layers of cells and blood vessels. The cells produce and secrete the cerebrospinal fluid and the fluid flows from the choroid plexus to circulate around the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal fluid has several functions. First, the fluid provides a buoyancy that allows the organ to support its own weight without collapse. Without fluid, the weight of the brain would prevent a constant blood supply to the lower sections. The liquid also provides an important level of protection by acting as a kind of buffer that prevents the brain and the skull in contact. Spinal fluid also helps to remove metabolic waste from the brain and spinal cord. The fluid of constantly a circularIt is around the brain and spinal cord and allows the waste to distract through the blood -brain barrier and be removed from the body.

cerebrospinal fluid analysis is performed to test fluid for infection and other signs of the disease. Healthy fluid is clear, but when bacterial infection is present, the fluid is overcast and may contain blood. Types of proteins present or absent in liquid can also provide diagnostic tracks. Conditions that may require spinal cord analysis include encephalitis, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, meningitis and pituitary tumors.

The most common method for liquid collection is a procedure called lumbar punk or backbone tap. The patient lies on his side with his knees inserted towards the chest or sitting in a shaken position. The lower back is cleaned and an anesthetic is injected into the spine. The fluid needle is then inserted into the lower back to collect the sample. After the sample is oDebran, the place is re -cleaned and tied.

During this procedure, it is very important that the patient remains calm when the fluid collects. This is because movement can cause the needle to move and damage the spinal cord. Careful cleaning of the area is important to prevent infection. In addition, the patient should rest several hours after the procedure to prevent spinal cord leakage.