CSF
Meaning of CSF: CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and a pathway for clearing waste from the central nervous system.
Definition of CSF
CSF is the abbreviation for cerebrospinal fluid, a clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. It flows through a series of connected spaces within the brain, called ventricles, and around the brain and spinal cord, between two of the protective layers called meninges.
CSF is produced by tissue called the choroid plexus within the brain's ventricles and is continuously reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, keeping the fluid in steady circulation throughout the central nervous system.
Beyond cushioning the brain and spinal cord against injury, CSF helps clear waste products from surrounding tissue and can be collected through a lumbar puncture to help diagnose conditions such as infection or bleeding, since changes in its composition often reflect changes within the central nervous system it surrounds.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
CSF analysis was performed to evaluate for signs of infection.
Good to know
Analysis of CSF obtained through a lumbar puncture can reveal changes in color, cell count, or protein content that point toward a specific underlying condition affecting the brain or spinal cord.