FIGURE 1.

Summary of structures and functions of the neurovascular unit (NVU). The anatomical substrate for regulation of cerebral blood flow and the blood-brain barrier is a multicellular system consisting of neurons, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, astrocytes and endothelial cells known as the NVU. (A) Intracerebral capillaries lack vascular smooth muscle cells but are partly covered by contractile pericytes. (B) At the level of intracerebral arterioles, the endothelium is fully covered by a single layer of vascular smooth muscle cells, which provide contractile properties to the arteriole. Astrocytes send their processes called endfeet around both capillaries and arterioles, providing support as well as a functional connection to surrounding parenchyma. (C) Summary of functions of the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular coupling. Arrows point to neurovascular unit components. Figure made using BioRender.