Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) - how much do you know about this wonderful stuff?
It is an amazing and incredible fluid. There is a tide or rhythmic movement to it, called the CranioSacral Rhythm (CSR) that CranioSacral therapists work with.
The Roles of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (that amazing and incredible fluid that produces the rhythm or tide that CranioSacral therapists work with)
Why It Matters. This amazing sea-water-like fluid that bathes the brain and central nervous system from the inside and the outside from the 4th week of the embryonic life to death.
It is a Nutritional Lifeline. CSF delivers important nutrients to your brain cells just like food keeps our bodies nourished. It brings them goodies like glucose, oxygen, and electrolytes that keep your brain running smoothly. It's like a delivery service, making sure your brain gets all the energy and nutrients it needs.
Taking Out the Rubbish. CSF acts like the bin men, picking up waste and toxins from your brain and whisking them away. It's like a cleaning crew, making sure your brain stays tidy and free from harmful substances. Imagine your brain as a busy city with lots of waste products.
Communication Superhighway. CSF also helps the different parts of your brain communicate with each other. It carries special chemical messengers called neurotransmitters that help send signals between brain cells. It's like a postal service, delivering messages and making sure everyone is on the same page. It regulates the circadian rhythm and appetite. It provides guiding cues for cell migration and instructs stem cells to proliferate or differentiate.
The Journey of CSF. Now, let's talk about how CSF moves around. It's produced deep inside your brain in an area called the ventricles. From there, it flows through a system of tunnels called the ventricular system. It then spreads out to cover the surface of your brain and spinal cord in a cosy layer. Eventually, it gets absorbed back into your bloodstream, completing its journey.
Support and protection. CSF is the shock absorber of the brain and spinal cord, holding it buoyant in its viscous sea-wateryness. This reduces the effective weight of the brain from its normal 1,500 grams to a much lesser 50 grams. How amazing is that?
So, the next time you accidentally hit your head, remember that CSF is there to help soften the blow.
Watch a YouTube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jplHEHYHpfg