Difference between CSF and Mucus: Detailed Comparison

What is CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)?

CSF is a clear, colourless liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, thus protecting and supporting them.

Composition of CSF

CSF consists of:

• Water,

• A little of proteins

• Glucose

• Electrolytes

• Other nutrients.

Production & Circulation (Choroid Plexus → Arachnoid Villi)

• The fluid is produced in the ventricles of the brain, formed by the choroid plexus, moves through the ventricular system, and is reabsorbed into the bloodstream by arachnoid villi.

• This is the critical circulation process for the cerebral internal environment.

Functions of CSF

Some of the very essential functions of CSF that are pivotal to neural health and the proper functioning of the central nervous system include:

• It acts in a shock-absorbing manner, cushioning mechanical shocks to help protect the brain and spinal cord,

• Carrying some nutrients into the neural tissue and taking out metabolic waste products.

What Is Mucus?

Mucus refers to a thick, viscid, or slippery secretion of mucous membranes lining some parts of the body. For example, passages of respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts.

Composition of Mucus

The major constituents of mucus are:

• Water

• Glycoproteins called mucins

• Lipids

• Enzymes

• Salts that are gel-like

Production (Goblet Cells & Mucous Glands)

• It is produced by specialised cells called goblet cells and mucous glands.

• They continuously secrete mucus to provide protection.

Functions of Mucus

The produced secretion does some pretty important work:

• It traps pathogens, dust, and other particles from invading deeper into tissues, hence causing infection

• It lubricates the surfaces of organs so that they might move smoothly and reduce friction

• It provides some transport means for materials along mucous membranes.

Key Differences Between CSF And Mucus

SOme of the key differences between CSF and mucus are discussed in the table give below:

CSF vs Mucus NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Function and production of CSF and Mucus

• CSF vs Mucus

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Cerebrospinal fluid is secreted by

1. Choroid plexus

2. Foramina of Monro

3. Foramen of Magendie

4. Cauda equina

Correct answer: 1) Choroid plexus

Explanation:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless, transparent liquid produced by choroid plexuses, which are created from vascular tissue situated in the brain's ventrals. A CSF is produced by the choroid plexus made up of a capillary bed and ependymal cells that extract blood plasma and filter it. This fluid is moved among the subarachnoid space, spinal cord central canal, and ventricles.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Choroid plexus.

Q2. Cerebrospinal fluid fills the space between

1. The arachnoid and pia mater of the central nervous system (CNS)

2. The ventricles of the brain

3. The central canal of the spinal cord

4. All of the above

Correct answer: 4) All of the above

Explanation:

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear watery nutritional fluid containing sodium chloride, potassium, glucose, and various proteins. It fills the space between the arachnoid and pia mater of the central nervous system (CNS), the ventricles of the brain, and the central canal of the spinal cord. It is secreted by the choroid plexuses. In addition to providing a nutritional supply to the brain, the CSF also removes by-products of metabolism and also serves to provide a fluid cushion to protect the brain from injury.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of the above.

Q3. Assertion: CSF Fluid movement is pulsatile, matching the pressure waves generated in blood vessels by the beating of the heart.

Reason: CSF moves in a single outward direction from the ventricles, but multi directionally in the subarachnoid space.

1. If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark A

2. If both Assertion & Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark B

3. If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false, then mark C

4. If both Assertion and Reason are false statements, then mark D

Correct answer: 1) If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark A

Explanation:

Both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. CSF moves in a single outward direction from the ventricles, but multi directionally in the subarachnoid space. Fluid movement is pulsatile, matching the pressure waves generated in blood vessels by the beating of the heart. But believes that there is no unidirectional CSF circulation, but cardiac cycle-dependent bi-directional systolic-diastolic to-and-from cranio-spinal CSF movements.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark A.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Cerebrospinal Fluid

• Synapse

• Sympathetic Nervous System

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