Question

The neurovascular unit: a. would not include circulating immune cells or their products b. would include circulating immune cells and their products c. would exclude pericytes d. is primarily concerned with vagal control of cerebral blood flow e. is not relevant to mammalian physiology

Short answer

Answer: The neurovascular unit includes circulating immune cells and their products, as they are indirectly related to its function during inflammation and injury conditions.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the neurovascular unit

A neurovascular unit consists of a set of cellular and extracellular components including neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, and extracellular matrix. It is a functional unit responsible for the regulation of blood flow in the brain to match the neuronal metabolic demands. The neurovascular unit plays a crucial role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier and ensuring proper brain function.

Evaluating the options

Now let's evaluate each of the options given and see whether they align with the concept of the neurovascular unit or not. a. Would not include circulating immune cells or their products: Circulating immune cells and their products are not part of the basic cellular components of the neurovascular unit. But they can interact with the blood-brain barrier during inflammation and injury. Thus, they are indirectly related to neurovascular unit function. b. Would include circulating immune cells and their products: As stated above, circulating immune cells and their products are not part of the basic cellular components of the neurovascular unit but can be related to its function during certain conditions. c. Would exclude pericytes: This statement is wrong as pericytes are a part of the neurovascular unit. They help in maintaining the blood-brain barrier and regulating capillary blood flow. d. Is primarily concerned with vagal control of cerebral blood flow: Vagal control of cerebral blood flow is only one of the many factors influencing blood flow regulation in the brain. The neurovascular unit's primary concern is ensuring proper metabolic demand-supply matching for neurons. e. Is not relevant to mammalian physiology: This statement is incorrect because the neurovascular unit is an essential component of mammalian physiology, particularly in the context of maintaining proper brain function.

Select the correct answer

Based on our understanding of the neurovascular unit and the evaluation of the given options, the correct answer is (b) - the neurovascular unit would include circulating immune cells and their products, as they are indirectly related to its function during inflammation and injury conditions.