Anatomy, Head and Neck, Blood Brain Barrier

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Dotiwala AK, McCausland C, Samra NS

Anatomy, Head and Neck, Blood Brain Barrier

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PubMed ID
30137840 [ View in PubMed
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Abstract

The blood-brain barrier is the barrier between the cerebral capillary blood and the interstitial fluid of the brain. It is made up of capillary endothelial cells and basement membrane, neuroglial membrane, and glial podocytes, i.e., projections of astrocytes. These 3 components work in synchronicity with one another to limit the entry of various substances into the cerebral blood flow and subsequently the brain parenchyma. Central nervous system (CNS) structures are highly unique in structure and function, and therefore require a stable environment with a composition that differs from that of the peripheral circulation. For this reason, the blood-brain barrier exists to maintain a homeostatic environment in which CNS structures can function without disruption from other bodily functions. It functions as a semipermeable membrane that separates the peripheral blood from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to maintains homeostasis within the central nervous system. It accomplishes this through several mechanisms that regulate the composition and volume of the cerebral structures.

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