A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure used to collect samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the area surrounding the spinal cord. These fluid samples can then be sent to different laboratory departments, such as clinical chemistry, microbiology, and hematology, for diagnostic testing.

Lumbar Puncture

When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples are analyzed, they first undergo a visual examination to check if the fluid is abnormally colored or cloudy. Following this, the CSF is examined under a microscope to evaluate whether it contains a normal count of red and white blood cells and to detect any abnormal cell types.

Visual and Microscopic Examination of Cerebrospinal Fluid

When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples are tested in a microbiology laboratory, they are typically centrifuged to concentrate any cells into a sediment. This concentrated sediment is then smeared onto a slide and treated with a Gram stain to check for bacteria, and part of the sample may be cultured in special dishes to see if any microorganisms grow.

Microbiology Testing of Cerebrospinal Fluid

This is the fluid that fills the ventricles and has two main functions:

- Shock absorber (gives the brain room to move inside of the skull).
- Allows for exchange of nutrients to the brain from blood vessels. 

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These are fluid-filled spaces throughout the brain.

- cerebrospinal fluid
- choroid plexus
- lateral ventricles
- third ventricle
- fourth ventricle 



Cerebral ventricles 

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

This is the membrane located in the lateral ventricles which produces cerebrospinal fluid which then flows to the rest of the ventricles. 

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