Tag: blood-brain barrier

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the circulatory system, serving as critical sites for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues. This image provides a detailed view of the continuous type of capillary, showcasing its unique structure that supports various physiological processes across different organs.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body, playing a crucial role in the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between blood and tissues. This diagram illustrates the three major types—continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoid—highlighting their unique structural features that determine permeability and function in various organs.

Glial cells, often overshadowed by neurons, are indispensable components of the central nervous system (CNS), outnumbering neurons and providing critical support for neural function, maintenance, and protection. This diagram illustrates the four main types of glial cells in the CNS—astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells—depicted in their typical interactions with neurons, highlighting how they insulate axons, regulate the extracellular environment, defend against pathogens, and facilitate fluid movement. Understanding these cells reveals their dynamic roles beyond mere support, including active participation in synaptic signaling and response to injury, essential for overall brain health and spinal cord integrity.

Nervous tissue forms the foundation of the nervous system, enabling the transmission and processing of signals throughout the body. This article explores the anatomical structure of nervous tissue, focusing on its cellular components—neurons and neuroglia—such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells, as illustrated in a detailed diagram and a micrograph at 872x magnification. By examining the structure and physical characteristics of nervous tissue, we uncover its critical role in coordinating bodily functions, from sensory perception to motor responses.

The human circulatory system consists of two main circuits - pulmonary and systemic - that work together to distribute blood throughout the body. This detailed diagram illustrates how blood flows through the heart chambers and major vessels, using blue to indicate deoxygenated blood and red for oxygenated blood.