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. 2023 Dec 5;24(24):17146. doi: 10.3390/ijms242417146

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Graphical representation of the BBB structure. BBB function is supported by the presence of TJs and AJs, together with cytoplasmatic proteins, ZO. The ECs are anchored to the basal lamina. The pericytes act as contractile components in the brain’s microvascular BBB, sensible to astrocyte inputs. The parenchymal BM made from ECM secreted by astrocytes and the astrocytic end-feet form the glia limitans vascularis. (TJ: Tight Junctions, AJ: Adherent Junctions, ZO: Zonula Occludens, EC: Endothelial Cells, BBB: blood–brain barrier, BM: basement membrane, ECM: extracellular matrix).