Membrane-06 Flashcards
What does the blood-brain barrier do?
Protects the brain and spinal cord from general circulation and regulates the ionic composition of the extracellular fluid, ensuring proper neuron function
How does the composition of fluid in a brain barrier differ from the blood?
The cerebral spinal fluid has less potassium and protein compared to blood
Why is the composition of extracellular fluid around neurons important?
It must be controlled to prevent changes in the membrane excitability and prevent unnecessary neurotransmitter activity
How can the blood brain barrier be described?
The blood brain barrier is barrier between blood vessels and interstitial fluid or cerebral spinal fluid
What are areas in the brain that lack the blood brain barrier and why?
Some areas like the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, lack the blood brain barrier to allow hormone release and chemical signalling
What are the different types of meninges (3), what are their job and why?
The meninges like dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater protect the brain and spinal cord in the subarachnoid space filled with cerebral spinal fluid to cushion the brain
What are ventricles and what is the role of ventricles in the brain?
Ventricles are cavities in the brain, filled with cerebral spinal fluid and connected by channels to allow the cerebral spinal fluid to circulate and protect the brain
where is cerebral spinal fluid produced and how is it regulated?
Cerebral spinal fluid is produced by the choroid plexus in the ventricles,
circulated to cleanse the brain and eventually drained into the nervous system
What is the function of astrocytes in the brain?
Astrocytes provide support by removing neurotransmitters, providing energy to neurons and regulating local blood flow
how do astrocytes regulate local blood flow?
astrocytes detect increasing neural activity, releasing prostaglandin to cause vasodilation, which increases blood flow
