ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a special liquid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord and helps protect them.

Think of your brain and spinal cord like a castle, and CSF is the moat that surrounds it. Just like a moat keeps bad guys out, CSF helps protect your brain and spinal cord from harm.

Your body makes CSF in a part of your brain called the choroid plexus. It's like a little factory inside your head that produces this special liquid.

CSF is clear and looks like water. It's also very clean – in fact, it's even cleaner than the water you drink.

CSF also helps keep your brain healthy by removing waste products and getting rid of things that shouldn't be there. It's like a janitor that keeps the castle clean and tidy.

If there's a problem with your CSF, it can cause headaches and other health problems. But most of the time, your CSF works just fine and keeps your brain and spinal cord safe and sound.
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