Why Can an Infection in the Brain's Ventricles Usually Be

question 57

Multiple Choice

Why can an infection in the brain's ventricles usually be detected in spinal fluid obtained from the lower back (lumbar region) ?

• A) Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) originates in the ventricles, but percolates over and around the brain and spinal cord.
• B) There is a high degree of vascularity that exists, allowing easy transfer of bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the blood.
• C) There is a set of lymph nodes specifically in place to drain the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ventricles. They are housed in the lumbar region of the spinal column, adjacent to the spinal cord.
• D) This is an incorrect statement. Since the central nervous system (CNS) is a protected site due to the blood-brain barrier, there can never BE an infection in the ventricles.

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Definitions:

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without the need for prior learning.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

In classical conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus that, after being repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus, evokes a conditioned response.

Morphine

A potent opiate analgesic drug used to relieve severe pain.

Classical Conditioning

The act of learning by making connections between an environmental and a naturally happening stimulus.