Which body fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord and is analyzed in a spinal tap?

Which body fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord and is analyzed in a spinal tap?

• A. Cerebrospinal Fluid
• B. Blood
• C. Nerve
• D. Lymph

Answer: (A)

Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, filling the spaces within the meninges and the ventricular system. It cushions the CNS, helps maintain a stable environment, and carries nutrients and waste products. A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) accesses the subarachnoid space in the lower back to collect CSF for analysis, which is why this fluid is specifically tested in that procedure. It’s not blood, nerve tissue, or lymph, which exist in different parts of the body and serve other functions.

Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, filling the spaces within the meninges and the ventricular system. It cushions the CNS, helps maintain a stable environment, and carries nutrients and waste products. A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) accesses the subarachnoid space in the lower back to collect CSF for analysis, which is why this fluid is specifically tested in that procedure. It’s not blood, nerve tissue, or lymph, which exist in different parts of the body and serve other functions.