with Guaranteed Pass Solutions 2026
Updated.
Neurovascular unit - Answer A functional unit composed of groups of neurons and their
associated astrocytes, interacting with smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells on the micro
vessels (arterioles) responsible for their blood supply, and capable of regulating the local blood
flow
Choroid plexus - Answer A site of production of CSF in the adult brain. It is formed by the
invagination of ependymal cells into the ventricles, which become richly vascularized
Interstitial fluid(ISF). - Answer The extracellular fluid filling the 'interstices' of the tissue, and
bathing the cells
Tight junction: - Answer •A belt-like region of adhesion between adjacent cells. Tight
junctions regulate paracellular flux, and contribute to the maintenance of cell polarity by
stopping molecules from diffusing within the plane of the membrane.
Meninges: - Answer The complex arrangement of three protective membranes surrounding
the brain, with a thick outer connective tissue layer (dura) overlying the barrier layer
(arachnoid), and finally the thin layer covering the glia limitans (pia). The sub-arachnoid layer
has a sponge-like structure filled with CSF.
Receptor-mediated transcytosis - Answer •The mechanism for vesicle-mediated transfer of
substances across the cell, the first step of which requires specific binding of the ligand to a
membrane receptor, followed by internalization (endocytosis).
Adsorptive-mediated transcytosis: - Answer •The mechanism for vesicle-mediated transfer of
substances across the cell, the first step of which involves nonspecific binding of the ligand to
membrane surface charges, followed by internalization (endocytosis).
Perivascular endfeet: - Answer •The specialized foot-processes of perivascular astrocytes that
are closely apposed to the outer surface of brain microvessels, and have specialized functions in
inducing and regulating the BBB.
Pericyte: - Answer •A cell of mesodermal origin, and contractile-phagocytic phenotype,
associated with the outer surface of capillaries.
,Basal lamina: - Answer •The extracellular matrix layer produced by the basal cell membrane,
used as an anchoring and signalling site for cell-cell interactions.
Cranial Meninges - Answer The dura mater,
arachnoid, arachnoid (left), and pia mater.
Dura mater - Answer •Two fibrous layers
.Space between the two layers contains tissue fluids, blood vessels, and lymphatic system
Arachnoid - Answer •Arachnoid membrane: Epithelial layer
•Subarachnoid space
•Does not follow the brain's underlying folds
Pia Mater - Answer •Follow the brain's underlying folds
•Accompanies the branches of cerebral blood vessels
oxygen and glucose In brain supply - Answer •Oxygen
-Passes freely across blood-brain barrier
•Glucose
-Requires membrane transporters
-Brain consumes about half of body's glucose
-Progressive hypoglycemia leads to confusion, unconsciousness, and death
Arteries - Answer •Internal carotid arteries
•Vertebral arteries
Veins - Answer •Internal jugular veins
Blood-Brain Barrier Is composed of? - Answer -Capillary endothelial cells (tight junctions)
-Basal lamina
-Endfeet of astrocytes
-Pericytes(Contractilily; produce angiogenic factors)
Neurovascular unit (NVU) - Answer Role in regulation of regional blood flow and BBB
function
, composed of:
•Capillary endothelial cells
•Pericytes
•Glial cells
-Astrocyte
-microglial
•Neurons
Brain interstitial fluid vs. Plasma - Answer •Brain interstitial fluid has a
-lower pH (7.33) resulting from a higher pCO2 (50mmHg).
-very low protein content (0.2g/l), resulting in a low buffering capacity.
-lower glucose concentration.
-low K (due to absorption of K into the blood)
-Low HCO3-
From breath to breath, which one of the following will be more subjected to a change in pH? -
Answer
Disruption of BBB will likely to - Answer
Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) - Answer •Around and inside brain and spinal cord
•Cushion and protection
•Maintain chemical stability
Clear waste products
Circulation of CSF - Answer •Produced by choroid plexus in the ventricles
•
•Leaves the 4th ventricle via paired lateral apertures or the single median aperture
•
•Flows through the subarachnoid space
•
•Flows into the arachnoid villi, then drains into the dural venous sinuses
As CSF circulates, CSF and the interstitial fluid of the CNS have been shown to have similar ion
concentrations, what kind of movement is involved?