Blood-brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier is a protective membrane that surrounds the brain and central nervous system, and helps to regulate the flow of substances including oxygen, hormones, nutrients and water, from the bloodstream into the brain. It also prevents potentially harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses, from entering the brain and causing damage. The blood-brain barrier plays an important role in maintaining the health of the brain and is essential for normal brain function. It is also important in the treatment of a variety of neurological diseases, as drugs used to treat these conditions must be able to cross the blood-brain barrier in order to be effective. An understanding of the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier is essential for the development of potential therapies and treatments.