Figure 1

Schema for CSF convection of water and solutes: Arterial blood perfusing the choroid plexus continually provides water, ions and organic substrates for the CP epithelial cells to form the CSF that underlies volume transmission. Manufactured by the CP epithelium as the result of numerous transport processes, the CSF is actively secreted into the ventricles. In transit through the ventricular cavities to the arachnoid drainage sites, the CSF exchanges anabolites and catabolites with brain interstitial fluid. As a result, trophic and signaling molecules are delivered (blue arrow) to the neurons and, concurrently, toxic waste products and unneeded proteins are removed (red arrow) by CSF 'sink action' on the brain. The permeable ependymal membrane allows bi-directional diffusion of beneficial and harmful molecules. Bulk flow or volume transmission of CSF is thus essential in effecting the homeostasis of fluid composition.