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Fig. 3 | Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Fig. 3

From: The need for mathematical modelling of spatial drug distribution within the brain

Fig. 3

Adapted with permission from [2]

Barriers of the brain. a The BBB. The BBB separates the blood from the brain tissue, including the brain ECF and the cells. The barrier exists at the level of the brain capillary endothelial cells, which are connected by tight junctions. b The BCSFB. The BCSFB separates the blood from the CSF in the brain ventricles. The barrier function exists at the level of the choroid plexus epithelial cells, that are connected by tight junctions. Unlike at the BBB, the capillaries between the blood and the CSF are fenestrated (contain pores) and are not connected by tight junctions. A layer of cells of the ependyma separates the CSF from the brain ECF. c The arachnoid barrier. The arachnoid barrier separates the blood in the blood vessels of the dura mater from the CSF in the sub-arachnoid space. The barrier function is exerted by the arachnoid cells, that are connected by tight junctions. A layer of cells of the pia mater (pial cells) separates the CSF from the brain ECF.

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