brain waste management system

Oligodendrocytes

Make and maintain myelin sheath (protects axons and facilitates transfer to next neuron)

Astrocytes

Maintain and support healthy milieu for neurons to function well

Microglia

Immune cells of the brain

Protect neurons from infections and toxins

Dura Mater

Brain meningeal layer

Outermost layer

Attached to skull

Tough, dense connective tissue

Meningeal arteries cover the dura

Arachnoid mater

Brain meningeal layers

Middle layer of meninges

Has delicate, web-like appearance

Subarachnoid space contains blood vessels and CSF

Pia mater

Brain meningeal layer

Thin and delicate layer that touches the brain

Astrocyte endfeet

Cover all the perivascular space

Superior sagittal sinus

Small veins in brain drain into main outflow venous system on top of the brain called…

Collects deoxygenated blood from brain and transports it to main veins → jugular veins

Made from dura

CSF

Produced at around 500 ml/day

Around 125 to 150 ml of this is given to brain and spinal cord at any time

Provides fluid cushion for brain

Helps with rinsing and waste management in brain