Anatomy and Physiology

Abstract

Syringomyelia is a disorder of the cerebrospinal fluid, and an understanding of the production, elimination and dynamics of CSF and water within the nervous system is paramount to understanding the pathophysiology of this complex condition. This chapter details the circulation, drainage and interrelationships of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid, from the level of the choroid plexus to the arachnoid villi, lymphatics and blood–brain barrier. Disorders of drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid are discussed, including syringomyelia, meningitis, subarachnoid haemorrhage, cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease.