CSMLS Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space in the spinal column. This fluid acts as a protective cushion for the brain and spinal cord and plays a crucial role in maintaining the central nervous system's homeostasis.

CSF is essential for diagnosing various conditions, such as infections (e.g., meningitis), neurological disorders, and bleeding in the brain. During the procedure, a healthcare professional inserts a needle into the lumbar region (lower back) to withdraw a small amount of CSF for analysis, making it distinctively related to this medical action.

The other types of fluids mentioned serve different purposes and are collected using different procedures. Pleural fluid is obtained through a pleural tap or thoracentesis, synovial fluid is aspirated from joints, and peritoneal fluid is collected via paracentesis in the abdominal cavity. These fluids are not related to the lumbar puncture process, which specifically targets CSF collection.