neurovascular unit

Function

• plays a key role in hemodynamic response to brain activity

Structure

a functional entity consisting of:

• neurons
• astrocytes
• endothelial cells
• pericytes (smooth muscle)

Pathology

Disruption of the neurovascular unit occurs with injury:

• stroke
• Alzheimer's disease & other neurodegenerative disorders

Reactive oxygen species may play a role.

More general terms

• anatomic structure