14.02 Functions of Cerebrospinal Fluid

In order to offer the brain and spinal cord mechanical protection, the cerebrospinal fluid buoys the brain so that it

"floats" in the cranial cavity

Name the functions that the cerebrospinal fluid has in helping to maintain homeostasis

1. mechanical protection 2. chemical protection 3. circulation

In order to offer the brain and spinal cord mechanical protection, the cerebrospinal fluid prevents them from

hitting the bony walls of the cranial cavity and vertebral canal during jolts

In order to offer the brain and spinal cord the function of circulation, the cerebrospinal fluid is a medium for

minor exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and adjacent nervous tissue

In order to offer the brain and spinal cord chemical protection, the cerebrospinal fluid

provides an optimal chemical environment for accurate neuronal signaling

Even slight changes in the ionic composition of the cerebrospinal fluid within the brain can

seriously disrupt production of action potentials and postsynaptic potentials

In order to offer the brain and spinal cord mechanical protection, the cerebrospinal fluid serves as a

shock-absorber that protects the delicate tissues from jolts