The frontier of the mind
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22201/ceide.16076079e.2025.26.5.1Keywords:
cerebral territory, blood-brain barrier, cerebral edema, endothelial cellsAbstract
This article provides an accessible overview of the structure and function of the blood–brain barrier, emphasizing that although it acts as a defensive shield protecting the brain, it is not static; on the contrary, it is highly dynamic and capable of regulating the exchange of molecules between the bloodstream and the brain. By drawing parallels between the remarkable similarities of natural barriers in the human body and the physical frontiers used by humanity to delimit or safeguard territories, the article highlights the crucial role of the blood–brain barrier in ensuring proper brain function. It also explores how damage to this defensive structure contributes to the development of neuropathologies.
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