Historically, scholars believed that the central nervous system (CNS) lacked a lymphatic system. Instead, subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) were thought to facilitate the excretion of harmful metabolites from the CNS, although the exact mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Recent studies in both animal and human samples have revealed that the cerebral lymphatic system comprises two main components: the meningeal lymphatic vessels located within the dura mater and the glymphatic system situated in the brain parenchyma. Building on these findings, numerous investigations have explored the functional significance of this system. The cerebral lymphatic system serves as a perivascular transport channel specifically for CSF transport and ISF exchange, thereby facilitating the clearance of metabolic waste from the brain. This review will discuss the anatomy of the cerebral lymphatic system, methods for its visual assessment, and its role and value in the diagnosis and treatment of neurosurgical conditions, aiming to better understand the functions of the cerebral lymphatic system and develop targeted treatment methods.