CSF, Ventricles & Brain Anatomy
Choroid plexus
The choroid plexus is the tissue within the ventricles that produces most of the cerebrospinal fluid.
In short: Choroid plexus
- It produces the majority of CSF.
- It is found within the ventricles, especially the lateral ventricles.
- It can be a target of treatment (choroid plexus cauterization).
- Rarely, a tumor of it (papilloma) can overproduce CSF.
What it is
The choroid plexus is a specialized, blood-vessel-rich tissue located within the ventricles that produces most of the brain's cerebrospinal fluid. It is found in all four ventricles, with prominent amounts in the lateral ventricles.
Understanding Choroid plexus
The choroid plexus produces roughly 500 mL of CSF per day, accounting for the majority of CSF production (with smaller contributions from other sources). Because it is the main source of CSF, the choroid plexus is sometimes targeted in treatment: choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) reduces CSF production and is sometimes combined with ETV, especially in infants. Rarely, a tumor of the choroid plexus (a papilloma) can cause hydrocephalus by overproducing CSF, a less common mechanism than blockage or impaired absorption.
Why it matters
Understanding the choroid plexus helps families see where CSF comes from, how reducing its activity can be part of treatment (CPC), and how, rarely, a tumor of it can cause hydrocephalus by overproduction.
Common questions
What does the choroid plexus do?
It produces most of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Where is it located?
Within the ventricles, especially the lateral ventricles.
Can it be a treatment target?
Yes — choroid plexus cauterization reduces CSF production.
Bottom line
The choroid plexus produces most CSF within the ventricles and can be a target of treatment such as choroid plexus cauterization.
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