Final answer:
The volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in adults is approximately 150 ml. CSF is crucial for cushioning the brain, maintaining an appropriate pressure environment, and its continuous production and drainage are necessary for proper brain function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in adults is approximately 150 ml. CSF is a clear bodily fluid that circulates in the subarachnoid space and the ventricular system around and inside the brain, acting as a cushion for the brain, providing both mechanical and immunological protection. It is produced in the brain by the choroid plexus at a rate of about 500 ml/day, but the brain only contains about 135-150 ml since the excess is continuously drained into the blood through the arachnoid granulations.
The CSF is watery and has low viscosity, making it an isotonic solution crucial for the brain's functioning. It supplies flotation to the brain, nearly equaling its weight, which is vital to avoid damage that could result from the brain resting on the skull. Fluctuations in CSF pressure, ranging from 60-100 mm H₂O, can be influenced by various factors, including coughing or internal compression of the jugular veins.
Any disruption in the production or flow of CSF, as with hydrocephalus, can cause significant neurological problems and requires medical intervention.