Final answer:
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides a liquid cushion for the brain and spinal cord, removes metabolic wastes, and contributes to maintaining proper intracranial pressure for blood perfusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has multiple critical functions, which include protecting the brain and spinal cord by acting as a liquid cushion, providing a barrier from trauma and impact. It occupies the subarachnoid space between the meninges around and inside the brain. Furthermore, CSF is involved in the removal of metabolic wastes from the central nervous system (CNS) and supports the proper circulation of nutrients. Another significant role of CSF is to aid in maintaining intracranial pressure and facilitating blood perfusion to prevent brain ischemia. The choroid plexuses within the brain's ventricles produce CSF which then flows through the CNS, cushioning, and protecting the brain and spinal cord. The CSF is eventually reabsorbed into the bloodstream, a process necessary to maintain balance and prevent conditions such as hydrocephalus.