Table 1 Description of cerebrovascular and related structures
Structures | Description |
|---|---|
Circle of Willis | The network of arteries on the ventral side of the brain that provides most of the blood supply to the brain |
Anterior Cerebral Arteries | Major cerebral arteries branching off the Circle of Willis that provide blood supply to most midline regions of the frontal and medial parietal lobes |
Middle Cerebral Arteries | Major cerebral arteries branching off the internal carotid arteries that provide blood supply to most lateral cortical regions, anterior temporal lobes, and insular cortices |
Posterior Cerebral Arteries | Major cerebral arteries branching off the basilar artery that provide blood supply to the occipital lobe and medial and inferior temporal lobe |
Lenticulostriate Arteries | Small arteries branching off the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery that provide blood supply to parts of the basal ganglia, including the sensorimotor and associative regions of the striatum |
Recurrent artery of Heubner | Small artery branching off the anterior cerebral artery that provides supply to parts of the basal ganglia, including the limbic region of the striatum |
Meninges | A collection of membranes that create a protective barrier surrounding the brain and spinal cord |
Dura Mater | The outermost layer of the meninges composed of thick fibrous tissue and supports the venous sinuses |
Arachnoid Mater | The middle layer of the meninges composed of thin fibrous tissue and forms the arachnoid barrier with its outer layer |
Pia Mater | The innermost layer of the meninges composed of a very thin layer composed of fibrous tissue that adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord |
Pial Arteries | Arteries that pattern the surface of the brain on the pial surface prior to penetrating into the brain parenchyma |
Subarachnoid Space | The space between the arachnoid and pia maters filled with cerebrospinal fluid |
Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) | The highly specialized border formed by brain endothelial cells that regulates the transport of molecules between the blood circulation and brain parenchyma |
Brain Endothelium | The cells that comprise the inner lining of blood vessels and exhibit selective and restrictive properties, including tight junctions, low rates of transcytosis, and specialized transporters |
Mural Cells | The support cells on the abluminal side of the endothelium and includes smooth muscle cells and pericytes, essential for regulating blood flow and formation of the blood-brain barrier |
Astrocytes | The major glial cell of the brain that extends processes onto the abluminal surface of the endothelium, forming end-feet that participate in ion and water homeostasis as well as neurovascular coupling |
Glycocalyx | The layer of glycolipids, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans that cover the luminal surface of the endothelium and the provide first barrier for vascular transport across the endothelium |
Choroid Plexus | A vascularized structure formed by specialized epithelial cells within the cerebral ventricles that is responsible for the production and secretion of cerebrospinal fluid |
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) | An ultrafiltrate of blood plasma produced by the choroid plexus and secreted into the cerebral ventricles and circulates around the brain providing a protective cushion |
Ventricles | Interconnected cavities within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid, forming a ventricular system that bathes the brain |
Epithelial Cells | Specialized cells that line the choroid plexus, forming the blood-CSF barrier, and are responsible for the production and secretion of CSF into the ventricles |
Choroid Plexus Endothelium | The cells that comprise the inner lining of fenestrated blood vessels in the choroid plexus, distinct from BBB endothelial cells in that they do not exhibit similar barrier properties |