CSF and Spinal Fluid - Vocabulary Flashcards (Chapter 1-6)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key CSF anatomy, collection, processing, and laboratory interpretation from the lecture notes.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Clear, colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord; produced by the choroid (coracoid) plexus, circulates in ventricles and subarachnoid space, and is absorbed into the bloodstream via arachnoid granulations.

Coracoid Plexus (Choroid Plexus)

Vascular network in brain ventricles responsible for secreting CSF.

Ventricles

Cavities within the brain that house CSF during its circulation.

Subarachnoid Space

Space between the arachnoid and pia mater where CSF circulates around brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid Granulations

Structures that absorb CSF into the bloodstream.

Blood–Brain Barrier

Capillary endothelium with tight junctions that restricts substances crossing from blood into the brain.

Tight Junctions

Protein complexes between endothelial cells that limit paracellular passage of substances.

Neonatal BBB Vulnerability

In newborns, immature skull and BBB can allow easier passage of substances into the brain; heightened caution is needed.

Lumbar Puncture

Aseptic procedure to collect CSF from the lumbar subarachnoid space, performed by a physician or anesthesiologist.

Opening Pressure

The initial CSF pressure measured when first accessing the subarachnoid space during LP.

Closing Pressure

CSF pressure after CSF collection is completed.

Tube 1 — Chemistry

First CSF collection tube sent to chemistry for tests; acceptable if contamination is a concern.

Tube 2 — Microbiology

Second CSF tube sent for microbiology tests (cultures, Gram stain).

Tube 3 — Hematology

Third CSF tube used for cell counts and hematology analyses.

Tube 4 — Cell Counts (optional)

Fourth CSF tube sometimes used for additional cell count analyses.

STAT

Tests that must be run immediately due to the rapid changes in CSF composition.

CSF Cell Counts

Enumeration of white and red blood cells in CSF, typically using a hemocytometer.

Pleocytosis

An increased number of cells, especially white blood cells, in CSF.

Neutrophils

White blood cells often elevated in bacterial meningitis.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells often elevated in viral meningitis.

Plasma Cells

Abnormal CSF cells; associated with MS and certain infections.

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells that may be present in CSF, especially after hemorrhage or infection.

Erythrophage

Macrophage that has engulfed red blood cells.

Siderophage

Macrophage that has engulfed iron-containing breakdown products from RBCs.

Cytospin Artifact

Artifactual cells that can resemble malignant cells; examine entire slide to distinguish from true malignancy.

Malignant Cells

Abnormal CSF cells suggesting a tumor or metastatic process.

Oligoclonal Bands

Distinct bands on CSF protein electrophoresis indicating intrathecal IgG synthesis, commonly seen in multiple sclerosis.

CSF Protein

Protein content of CSF; normally 15–45 mg/L; elevations or reductions reflect pathology.

CSF/Serum Albumin Index

Ratio used to assess blood–brain barrier integrity; normal <9, increasing with BBB impairment.

IgG Index

Ratio of CSF IgG to serum IgG, adjusted by albumin; normal 0.3–0.7; elevated in infection or MS.

Myelin Basic Protein

CSF protein released from myelin; elevated in MS and demyelinating conditions.

CSF Glucose

Glucose in CSF, normally 60–70% of blood glucose; decreased with meningitis, increased with hyperglycemia or traumatic tap.

CSF Lactate

Lactate in CSF; normal 10–22 mg/dL; increased with hypoxia/ischemia or bacterial meningitis; viral meningitis often <30 mg/dL.

Xanthochromia

Yellow/orange/pink coloration of CSF due to blood breakdown products; indicates prior hemorrhage.

CSF Gram Stain

Gram stain performed on CSF to rapidly detect bacteria.

CSF Culture

Growth of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) from CSF to identify etiologic agent.

Acid-Fast Stain

Stain used to detect mycobacteria (e.g., TB) in CSF.

India Ink

Stain used to detect Cryptococcus neoformans in CSF.

PCR Meningitis Panels

Molecular tests (PCR) that identify pathogens causing meningitis; increasingly used.)

CSF Protein Electrophoresis

Separation of CSF proteins (albumin, prealbumin/transthyretin, transferrin bands) to detect abnormalities and oligoclonal bands.

Normal CSF Color/Clarity

CSF is normally colorless and clear; cloudiness suggests high cells or protein content.

Spun Sediment / Cytocentrifugation

Centrifugation of CSF to concentrate cells for microscopic examination (Gram stain, cytology).

Traumatic Tap

Blood contamination from puncture; RBCs decrease across tubes; centrifuged sediment shows a clearing pattern (reddish in tube 1, clearer in tube 3).

Hemorrhage in CSF

Bleeding into CSF; RBCs persist in all tubes and may remain pink/red after centrifugation.

Nigleria fowleri (rare parasite)

Amebic pathogen sometimes encountered in CSF; causes deadly meningitis/encephalitis.

Spinal Fluid Differential Cells

Differential counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, etc.) used to help diagnose infection or inflammation.