Blood-spinal cord barrier

Definition

The blood-spinal cord barrier is a selective permeability barrier that separates the circulating blood from the extracellular fluid in the spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in protecting the central nervous system from pathogens and toxins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The blood-spinal cord barrier consists of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions.
2. It functions similarly to the blood-brain barrier but is specific to the spinal cord.
3. Disruption of this barrier can lead to neuroinflammation and diseases like multiple sclerosis.
4. Transport across this barrier is highly regulated, allowing essential nutrients while blocking harmful substances.
5. Research into this barrier is important for developing treatments for spinal cord injuries and infections.

Review Questions

• What types of cells form the blood-spinal cord barrier?
• How does the blood-spinal cord barrier compare to the blood-brain barrier?
• What potential consequences can arise from disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier?

Related terms

Blood-Brain Barrier: A selective permeability barrier that separates circulating blood from brain extracellular fluid.

Endothelial Cells: Cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, playing a key role in forming barriers.

Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease where immune cells attack the protective covering of nerves, often involving disruption of barriers like the blood-spinal cord and blood-brain barriers.