Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Nervous System including autonomic and pain

H2 · Nervous System Physiology

H2.iii · Cerebrospinal Fluid

Official V5 objective
Describe the production, composition, regulation and role of cerebrospinal fluid.
2 SAQ topics 11 SAQ appearances 2 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

11 appearances
Cerebrospinal Fluid
8 exam appearances
Describe the physiology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
88%
Outline the formation, circulation and functions of cerebrospinal fluid.
81%
Outline the production / absorption (30% of marks), composition (30% of marks) and function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (40% of marks).
71%
Briefly outline the formation, absorption, distribution, role and composition of cerebrospinal fluid
44%
Outline the physiology of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
67%
Describe the physiology of cerebrospinal fluid.
83%
Describe the formation, circulation and functions of cerebrospinal fluid.
Describe the function, flow and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.
29%
Lumbar Puncture Anatomy & CSF
3 exam appearances
Describe the anatomy relevant to performing a lumbar puncture. Paediatric OR adult descriptions are acceptable. Descriptions of the procedure are NOT required.
29%
Describe the physiology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (60% of marks). Describe the anatomy relevant to performing a lumbar puncture (40% of marks).
86%
Describe the physiology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). (70% of marks) Describe the anatomy relevant to the performance of a lumbar puncture. (30% of marks)

Oral examination

VIVA history

2 stations

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.