Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is made within the inner fluid chambers (ventricles) of the brain and flows through tubes (ducts) to other chambers and around the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid provides a fluid cushion to protect the brain and spinal cord from injury.

After circulating within and around the brain and spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid is reabsorbed into surface coverings (membranes) on the brain and spinal cord.