bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 20, Problem 1TMW
Summary Introduction

To tell:

Why it is important that the cells forming the blood vessels of the spinal cord and brain should be tight against one another by forming a blood-brain barrier.

Introduction:

The blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord are lined on the inside with specialized endothelial cells. These endothelial cells are stuck together very tightly and forming 'tight junctions'.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The spinal cord extends down from the brain to the lumbar region (lower back). Below lumbar region, a package of nerves called the cauda equina is seen. This bundle of nerves resembles the tail of a horse. The dura mater is a tough fibrous sheath which provides a flexible and strong covering for the delicate organs of the central nervous system (CNS). It acts as a barrier and prevents the spread of infections from the bones. The arachnoid mater is located deep to the dura mater is the arachnoid mater which contains many branching fibers, which gives the appearance of a spider web. The subarachnoid space is the cavities found in between the arachnoid mater fibers. Pia mater is the internal layer, which is pressed near to the spinal cord and brain. Blood vessels situated on the top of the pia mater supplies the central nervous system with blood. These blood vessel walls are composed of tightly packed cells that form the blood-brain barrier, thereby preventing the entry of microbes and other large molecules into the subarachnoid space. So the infections of blood do not spread easily to the CNS.

Conclusion

It is important that the cells that are involved in the formation of the blood vessels of the spinal cord and brain should be tight against with each other, forming a blood-brain barrier to prevent the entry of microbes from blood to subarachnoid space and spread the infection to the CNS.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Why can a tourniquet be placed on a leg for hours to prevent bleeding and not induce irreversible cell damage within skeletal muscles, but a few minutes is ischemia within the brain can be deadly?
Multiple Sclerosis is a disorder in which there is autoimmune-activity to myelin in the central nervous system.  This means increased immune reactivity to Multiple Sclerosis is a disorder in which there is autoimmune-activity to myelin in the central nervous system.  This means increased immune reactivity to -oligodendrocytes -Schwann cells -microglia -astrocytes
Why is it likely that your doctor might test you for meningitis if your neck is stiff and in pain (in addition to other symptoms)? Neck stiffness occurs when the meninges swell because the meninges and the muscles of your neck are connected Having a fever from meningitis can cause a swelling of the tissue in the neck When your circulation decreases as a result of meningitis, your neck doesn’t get enough blood flow The virus or bacteria will enter your neck muscles first

Chapter 20 Solutions

Microbiology with Diseases by Body System & Modified MasteringMicrobiology with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card -- for Microbiology with Diseases by Body System Package

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Medical Terminology for Health Professions, Spira...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781305634350
Author:Ann Ehrlich, Carol L. Schroeder, Laura Ehrlich, Katrina A. Schroeder
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions Updated
Biology
ISBN:9780357191606
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions
Biology
ISBN:9781285695495
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781305073951
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Cancer Types SIMPLY explained! MEMORIZE them QUICKLY and EASILY!; Author: CancerEdInstitute;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEBi-yvSWmQ;License: Standard Youtube License