Fig. 2
From: Microfluidic models of the neurovascular unit: a translational view
Schematic representation of the neurovascular unit. The vasculature of the brain consists of specialized brain endothelial cells that form a blood-brain barrier. The endothelial cells are embedded in the basement membrane, a non-cellular component consisting of extracellular matrix proteins, together with pericytes, which make direct contact with the endothelial cells. Astrocytes connect to the structure made up of basement membrane, pericytes, and endothelial cells via their foot processes. In addition, astrocytes have extensive contact with neurons. Oligodendrocytes provide myelination to neuronal axons, which is essential for proper transduction of neuronal signals. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS