What Are the Three Main Components of the Blood-Brain Barrier?
Discover the main components of the Blood-Brain Barrier and their vital roles in protecting the brain.
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The three main components of the BBB (Blood-Brain Barrier) are: endothelial cells that form tight junctions, astrocyte end-feet that provide support and maintain the barrier's integrity, and the basement membrane, a thin extracellular matrix that separates the endothelial layer from surrounding tissues.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the function of the Blood-Brain Barrier? The Blood-Brain Barrier protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to pass.
- How do the components of the BBB work together? Endothelial cells form tight junctions, astrocyte end-feet provide structural support, and the basement membrane separates endothelial cells from surrounding tissues, working in harmony to maintain barrier integrity.
- What can affect the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier? Factors like inflammation, infection, and trauma can compromise the BBB, leading to neurological complications.