Question

Does it spread sideways from the spinal cord at all?

How far down does it go?

I've found a lot of information about the spinal cord itself but not about the central canal, and more specifically if it's all there is to CSF out of the brain, or if there are small canals exiting it.

Answer 1

The central canal of the spinal cord is a continuation of the brain's ventricular system and carries cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) down its length. It does not spread sideways and terminates around the lumbar region. CSF is produced by choroid plexuses and circulates through the ventricles, central canal, and subarachnoid space before reentering the venous system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Central Canal and CSF Flow

The central canal is the fluid-filled space that runs longitudinally through the length of the entire spinal cord. It is continuous with the ventricular system of the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows through the central canal and is also present in the brain's ventricles. CSF is produced mainly by the choroid plexuses located in the ventricles. The central canal does not significantly spread sideways from the spinal cord but runs straight down its center until it terminates near the lower end of the spinal cord, around the level of the lumbar vertebrae.

The role of the central canal, while primarily serving as a conduit for CSF in the spinal cord, is also a part of the larger system of CSF circulation, moving CSF from the brain's ventricles into the subarachnoid space outside the brain and spinal cord via the median and lateral apertures. This fluid then circulates around the brain and spinal cord in the subarachnoid space before being absorbed into the venous system through arachnoid granulations.