Blood Brain Barrier

Question 1

What does BBB stand for in the nervous system

Answer 1

Blood brain barrier

Question 2

The BBB is ________, meaning that only some materials can cross and enter the brain

Answer 2

Semi permeable

Question 3

What is special about the endothelial cells, specific to brain tissue

Answer 3

The cells fit so tightly together that substances can not pass through.

Question 4

What are Glial cells also called

Answer 4

Astrocytes

Question 5

What do Glial cells do?

Answer 5

Form a layer around brain blood vessels, and are important in the development of BBB

Question 6

What are the 3 functions of BBB?

Answer 6

1. Protects brain from foreign substances that may cause damage to brain
2. Protects brain from hormones and neurotransmitters in rest of body
3. Maintains a constant environment

Question 7

What molecules penetrate into the brain?

Answer 7

Lipid soluble molecules (barbiturate drugs)

Question 8

What happens to molecules that have a high electrical charge at BBB?

Answer 8

They are slowed

Question 9

How does hypertension affect the BBB

Answer 9

It causes it to open up

Question 10

What breaks down the BBB

Answer 10

Trauma, ischemia, inflammation, and pressure to the brain, radiation, microwaves, infection and hyoerosmolitity