Final answer:
The brain produces approximately 500 mL of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) per day to cushion and supply nutrients to the brain, with excess fluid being reabsorbed or drained into the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : c
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced by the brain at a rate of 500 mL per day. It is generated by modified ependymal cells located in the choroid plexus. Although the brain can contain only about 135-150 mL of CSF, the fluid is continuously produced and circulated, maintaining essential functions. CSF plays a critical role in protecting the brain and providing it with essential nutrients. It acts as a cushion, mitigating the impact of any blows to the head, and helps maintain a stable environment for the brain. Yet, the brain's limited capacity to hold CSF is balanced by the ongoing production and reabsorption process.
Excess CSF is typically drained into the blood through arachnoid granulations found within the superior sagittal sinus. This biological equilibrium is crucial; any obstruction in the flow of CSF can lead to a condition called hydrocephalus. Characterized by the buildup and swelling of the brain, hydrocephalus can have severe effects like cognitive issues, seizures, and even death if not treated swiftly, for instance, through the insertion of a shunt to relieve the pressure.