Definition

1. Noun:
   • Clear liquid produced in the ventricles of the brain; fills and protects cavities in the brain and spinal cord: Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless body fluid that circulates within the cavities of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, providing mechanical and immunological protection.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A sample of cerebrospinal fluid was taken for analysis.
  • The doctor explained that cerebrospinal fluid acts as a cushion for the brain.
  • A blockage in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid can cause pressure to build up.

Advanced Usage

• "to analyze cerebrospinal fluid": to examine this fluid, typically via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), for diagnostic purposes.
  • The lab will analyze the cerebrospinal fluid to check for signs of infection.
• "cerebrospinal fluid pressure": the force exerted by this fluid within the cranial cavity.
  • Monitoring cerebrospinal fluid pressure is crucial after certain brain injuries.

Variants and Related Words

• CSF: A common initialism for cerebrospinal fluid.
  • The test results for the CSF were normal.
• Ventricular fluid: Another term sometimes used, referencing its production site in the brain's ventricles.
• Lumbar puncture: The medical procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back.

Synonyms

• Spinal fluid: A less precise but commonly used synonym.
• Brain fluid: An informal, non-technical term.

Related Phrases

• Cerebrospinal fluid leak: A condition where this fluid escapes, often from the nose or ear, usually after injury or surgery.
  • The patient was diagnosed with a cerebrospinal fluid leak following the accident.
• Cerebrospinal fluid shunt: A medical device implanted to drain excess fluid and relieve pressure.
  • The child required a cerebrospinal fluid shunt to manage hydrocephalus.

Noun

1. clear liquid produced in the ventricles of the brain; fills and protects cavities in the brain and spinal cord