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Cerebrospinal Fluid

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 08, 2005

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Definition:

Cerebrospinal fluid is a fluid that circulates throughout the central nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid is located between the brain and skull. Therefore, it has 2 important benefits to the central nervous system:

  1. circulation
    • the cerbrospinal fluid delivers nutrients to the structures of the nervous system
    • the cerebrospinal fluid removes wastes from the brain and spinal cord, detoxifying the environment of the nervous system
  2. shock absorption
    • the cerbrospinal fluid protects the brain and spinal cord from trauma brought upon by movement, falls, blows, etc.

The cerebrospinal fluid is the focus of an osteopathic technique called Cranial Sacral Therapy.

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