What Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulates?

The cerebrospinal fluid circulates in the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord, and in the ventricles of the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid found within the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord of all vertebrates.

What is cerebrospinal fluid and how does it circulate?

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) flows through the four ventricles and then flows between the meninges in an area called the subarachnoid space. CSF cushions the brain and spinal cord against forceful blows, distributes important substances, and carries away waste products.

What secretes and circulates cerebrospinal fluid?

CSF is mainly secreted by the choroid plexus and, to a lesser extent, by the interstitial compartment. It circulates rostrocaudally inside the ventricles and drains into the cerebellomedullary cistern (cisterna magna) through the median aperture (foramen of Magendie) of the fourth ventricle.