What is cerebrospinal fluid?

What is cerebrospinal fluid?

Your brain and spinal cord have a surrounding protective layer of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF contains nutrients that your brain can use. The CSF layer also supports and cushions your brain and spinal cord from sudden movements.

The effect is similar to putting a grape inside a jar. If the jar is empty and you give it a good shake, you’ll bruise or damage the grape. That’s what would happen to your brain if you had no CSF. But if you fill the jar with water and then shake it, the water slows down how fast the grape moves and cushions it, preventing damage.