Introduction
Among the common motifs in the study of human anatomy is just how exponentially complicated the human body is generally and specifically in its circulatory and neurological systems. It is, however, when evaluating and analyzing the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that the two complex areas of the circulatory and neurological systems intertwine. CFS a fluid found in the brain and spine which is clear and colorless (Tortora & Derrickson, 2014; Lawton & Vates, 2017). CFS is produced from the blood that is supplied to the brain and is specifically constituted due to the special nature of the nervous system. The circulation of CSF takes place in a variety of systems revolving around the brain and the spinal cord. The said circulation system covers inter alia the production of CSF in the choroid plexuses of the lateral and fourth ventricles (Tortora & Derrickson, 2014) . It then extends to the functions of CSF which sees it circulate inter alia in the Ventricular and Subarachnoid systems (Bradley, 2015; Lawton & Vates, 2017). Finally, the circulation also covers the reabsorption of CSF in the brain’s arachnoid mater. Due to the vital nature of CSF, its circulatory system can also cause a variety of clinical complications in the human body. The instant Term Paper is centered upon research and analysis of the human CSF circulatory system without a focus on the cycle on CSF in the human body.
Background: CSF Composition and Functions
Understanding CSF and its prerequisites are fundamental to the development of a better understanding of its circulation in the human body. Khasawneh, Garling & Harris (2018) describes CSF as “ a clear, proteinaceous fluid that exists in the surrounding spaces of mammalian central nervous systems (CNS) ” (P. 14). The said authors continue to define the substance as a marvel based in its ability to sustain the nervous system of mammals, more so humans for a lifetime. CSF is produced on a daily basis and at a regular rate of about 18-25 mL/hour or 430–530 mL/day (Khasawneh et al., 2018). The said rate can, however, vary but not exponentially depending on the age and condition of the individual (Bradley, 2015). Normally, CSF production takes place in the choroid plexuses of the lateral and fourth ventricles. The said production happens through a combination of diffusion, pinocytosis and active transfer inside the said choroid plexuses (Khasawneh et al., 2018). Upon production, CSF will flow through the same ventricular system and also to the subarachnoid system where it undertakes its functions as shall be outlined hereinbelow. The first major function of the CSF is to protect the brain and spinal cord from physical trauma by acting as a cushion (Khasawneh et al., 2018). It can thus be said that the CSF is to the brain what the amniotic fluid is to a fetus. CFS’s second major function is to provide the nervous system with the necessary nourishment including glucose and oxygen (Tortora & Derrickson, 2014) . CSF is thus to the nervous system what the coronary artery is to the heart. The third major function is to play an important role in the excretory system relating to the nervous system. The nature of the CSF circulation is dominated by these major functions and a variety of minor ones including maintaining homeostasis in the nervous system and maintaining the buoyancy of the brain. (Khasawneh et al., 2018).
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CFS Circulation
CSF Production
The circulation systems CSF begins at the point of production where CSF is made. In humans, most of the production of CSF is undertaken in the choroid plexuses of the lateral and fourth ventricles, which are collections of blood vessels contained in the ventricular system of the human brain (Tortora & Derrickson, 2014) . It must, however, also be noted that there is a limited production of CSF that takes place in ependymal cells, also found in the ventricular system and can be described as a single layer of cells shaped like a column. Based on the point of manufacture, it is evident that the circulatory process of the CSF begins in the brain where the ventricles have placed. CSF then spreads out to any of the other parts of the nervous system where CSF is to be found (Spector, Snodgrass & Johnson, 2015).
CSF in the Ventricular System
The Ventricular system of the human brain can be described as a set of four ventricles found inside the human. Just as the term ventricle, that is more common in the understanding of the heart suggest, the ventricular system is made up of cavities. The two largest of this cavities are the lateral ventricles, one for each side of the brain (Spector, Snodgrass & Johnson, 2015). These cavities are normally filled with CSF fluid which is also gradually moving through them. There is no absolute consensus about the nature of the movement of CSF inside the ventricles. The movement of CSF in the ventricles is aided by the pressure caused by the movement of blood through the vessels found inside the brain, which pressure comes from the beating of the heart (Spector, Snodgrass & Johnson, 2015). The main function of the CSF while collected in the ventricles is to act as a shock absorber for the brain. The fourth ventricle has four apertures that release CSF into the subarachnoid space.
CSF in the Subarachnoid Space
The Subarachnoid the space found between two of the three layers covering the brain and the spine in humans. The three-layer membranes are the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater with subarachnoid space being found between the second and last layers. As indicated above, the fourth ventricle has four openings that open into the subarachnoid space (Lawton & Vates, 2017). The said ventricle is situated in a manner that enables each of the four apertures to release CSF into a different area of the subarachnoid space. This enables the different parts of the brain and also the spine can regularly get a fresh supply of CSF. Within the subarachnoid space, CSF moved in different directions, once again based on pressure from blood vessels proximal to the said space. As the CSF moves in the subarachnoid space it interacts with the brain and the spine, hence able to carry out its functions including three major functions outlined hereinabove (Lawton & Vates, 2017).
CSF Regulation and Reabsorption
To be able to carry out its functions effectively, the human body carefully regulates the flow of CSF within it. The regulation includes the production of CSF, the movement of CSF, the interaction of CSF with the brain and spinal matter, and eventually the reabsorption of CSF (Simon & Iliff, 2016). The said reabsorption of CSF takes place through the connection between the lymphatic system and the human brain. Regulation of CSF is both active and passive. Active regulation normally happens through a meticulously calibrated hormonal process. Passive regulation of CSF circulation involving issues such as speed and pressure can be regulated by the normal blood pressure in the body (Simon & Iliff, 2016). Illness such as an infection of a physical injury can also interfere the regulation of CSF circulation. Coughing or pressure on jugular vessels can also affect the pressure in the CSF system.
Possible Clinical Issues Relating to CSF Circulation
The interaction between the CSF circulation system and the brain means that problems with the system can affect the brain but also problem with the brain as an organ can affect the CSF circulatory system (Tortora & Derrickson, 2014). For example, the development of a tumor in the brain, or a physical injury can affect the ability of CSF to flow or be effective. Events that cause a sharp rise or drop in CSF pressure can also adversely affect the circulatory system. For example, a spike in pressure can cause problems such as headaches and site problems. On the other hand, if the pressure falls too low, CSF may not be effective in carrying out its important obligations (Khasawneh et al., 2018). Among the dangerous effects of low CSF pressure is the brain losing is buoyancy hence pressing down and putting pressure on some of its components. Conversely, CSF can accumulate in a part of the system, resulting in a condition known as Hydrocephalus (Bradley, 2015). In children, Hydrocephalus is noticeable physically due to the inordinate enlargement of the child’s head (Tortora & Derrickson, 2014) . Hydrocephalus can be fatal unless substantively managed. Finally, is it also possible to have a leak in the CSF circulation system, which can lead to the lowering of CSF pressure with devastating consequences such as the ones defined above (Khasawneh et al., 2018). Some medical treatments such as chemotherapy can also adversely affect CSF circulation. Any major change in the CSF circulation should be considered as an important clinical emergency due to the vital role played by CSF in the body (Bradley, 2015).
Conclusion
It is evident from the totality of the above that the human body is a wonder with so many complicated and complex components, systems and processes that most humans are not even aware of. Among these components are CSF and its circulation which form the CSF circulatory system. Most humans know that they have a brain and a spine and perhaps that they cannot live without them but few imagine just how much work their brains have to do to keep these organs functional. The CSF circulatory system plays a critical role in the maintenance of these important neurological organs. Among these roles include maintaining the buoyancy of the brain so as to prevent it from pressing against any of its components. The other is cushioning the brain and spine from trauma caused by normal day to day activities. More complex duties include providing nourishment and an excretory avenue for the nervous system. CSF circulation commences in the ventricular system where CSF, a fluid resembling blood plasma is made. The system proceeds to the subarachnoid systems around the brain and spine where most of its functions are carried out. Finally, it returns to the brain for eventual reabsorption into the body, through the lymphatic system. Due to the crucial nature of the CSF circulation system, maintaining it in optimum condition is fundamental for human health and even human life.
References
Bradley, W. G. (2015). CSF flow in the brain in the context of normal pressure hydrocephalus. American Journal of Neuroradiology , 36 (5), 831-838.
Khasawneh, A. H., Garling, R. J., & Harris, C. A. (2018). Cerebrospinal fluid circulation: What do we know and how do we know it?. Brain circulation , 4 (1), 14-18
Lawton, M. T., & Vates, G. E. (2017). Subarachnoid hemorrhage. New England Journal of Medicine , 377 (3), 257-266.
Simon, M. J., & Iliff, J. J. (2016). Regulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in neurodegenerative, neurovascular and neuroinflammatory disease. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis of Disease , 1862 (3), 442-451.
Spector, R., Snodgrass, S. R., & Johanson, C. E. (2015). A balanced view of the cerebrospinal fluid composition and functions: focus on adult humans. Experimental neurology , 273 , 57-68.
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2014). Principles of anatomy and physiology . Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
