Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

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2:19 minutes

Problem 11

Textbook Question

What constitutes the blood brain barrier?

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The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. It is primarily composed of specialized endothelial cells lining the brain's capillaries.

These endothelial cells are tightly connected by structures called tight junctions, which prevent the passage of large molecules and pathogens between the bloodstream and the brain tissue.

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, play a supportive role in the blood-brain barrier. Their end-feet surround the capillaries and help maintain the integrity of the barrier by signaling to endothelial cells to form tight junctions.

Pericytes, another type of cell, are embedded in the capillary walls and contribute to the regulation of blood flow and the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier's structure.

The basement membrane, a thin layer of extracellular matrix, provides additional structural support to the blood-brain barrier and acts as a secondary filter to further restrict the movement of substances into the brain.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

The blood-brain barrier is a selective permeability barrier formed by endothelial cells in the brain's capillaries. It protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. This barrier is crucial for maintaining the brain's homeostasis and preventing neurotoxicity.

Endothelial Cells

Endothelial cells line the blood vessels and play a vital role in the formation of the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, these cells are tightly joined by tight junctions, which restrict the movement of substances between them. This unique arrangement is essential for the barrier's function in regulating what enters the brain.

Transport Mechanisms

Transport mechanisms are processes that facilitate the movement of substances across the blood-brain barrier. These include passive diffusion for small, lipophilic molecules and active transport for larger or polar molecules, such as glucose and amino acids. Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending how the BBB maintains brain health and responds to pharmacological treatments.

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