CSF stands for Cerebrospinal Fluid. It is a clear, colorless fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The CSF acts as a cushion, absorbing shocks and providing nutrients to the central nervous system. It is produced by the choroid plexus, a network of blood vessels in the brain.
The CSF also plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of chemicals in the brain and removing waste products. It acts as a medium for the exchange of nutrients and waste between the blood and the brain. The CSF is constantly circulating, being produced in the ventricles of the brain and flowing through the spinal cord and the subarachnoid space.
CSF analysis is a diagnostic tool used in various medical conditions. It can help in the diagnosis of infections, bleeding, and tumors in the central nervous system. The analysis involves collecting a sample of CSF through a lumbar puncture or a spinal tap. The sample is then examined for abnormalities such as an increased number of white blood cells, elevated protein levels, or the presence of bacteria or viruses.
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