The Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) System consists of a clear fluid related primarily to the ependyma (and its derivatives) which lines the ventricles and spinal cord central canal in all vertebrates. The CSF remains a closed endoneurial system in lower vertebrates, but in amphibians continuity is established with an external neurectodermal component through the rhombencephalic roof, to form the external, subarachnoid CSF. The foramina through which the internal and external CSF communicate have evolved to become the midline metapore, termed eponymously the Foramen of Magendie, in the Anthropoids.
The study of the evolution of the CSF system presented here is based upon its macro- and micro-scopic morphology in a series of representative animals; it is primarily related to the possible hydrodynamic functions of the system but it is also, through internet publication, now made available to research workers with an interest in this and other functions.
The second half of the study endeavours to relate the observations contained in the first half to the present day diagnosis and management of hydrocephalus - the clinical condition in which the hydrodynamic role of the CSF system is abnormal.
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