blood-brain barrier

[ bluhd-breyn ]

/ ˈblʌdˈbreɪn /

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noun Physiology.

a layer of tightly packed cells that make up the walls of brain capillaries and prevent substances in the blood from diffusing freely into the brain: passage across the cell membranes is determined by solubility in the lipid bilayer or recognition by a transport molecule.

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Origin of blood-brain barrier

First recorded in 1940–45

Words nearby blood-brain barrier

blood and thunder, blood-aqueous barrier, blood bank, bloodbath, blood blister, blood-brain barrier, blood brother, blood capillary, blood cell, blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, blood clot

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use blood-brain barrier in a sentence

Susan Rosenbaum, founder and CEO of Lauren Sciences, is using a patented nanovesicle technology that aims to deliver existing FDA-approved cancer drugs through the blood-brain barrier.
Can Cancer Killers Get Past the Brain’s Bouncers?|Charu Kasturi|November 30, 2020|Ozy
That’s why researchers are designing next-generation therapies with the intent that they will cross the blood-brain barrier, stay there and more effectively treat cancer that has spread to the brain.
Can Cancer Killers Get Past the Brain’s Bouncers?|Charu Kasturi|November 30, 2020|Ozy
“Drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier have huge potential benefits for patients.”
Can Cancer Killers Get Past the Brain’s Bouncers?|Charu Kasturi|November 30, 2020|Ozy
It’s too large and gets blocked by that thin film of cells, the blood-brain barrier.
Couch Potato No More: How the Benefits of Exercise Transfer to the Brain|Shelly Fan|July 14, 2020|Singularity Hub

It’s been used to blast open the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from toxins in the blood, in an effort to allow medical drugs to flow into the brain with occasional subsequent damage.
How Scientists Influenced Monkeys’ Decisions Using Ultrasound in Their Brains|Shelly Fan|May 27, 2020|Singularity Hub
Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I was out, maybe in the Great Barrier Reef catching black marlin.
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
For nearly her entire life Beyoncé has been giving us her blood, sweat, and tears in her career.
Bow Down, Bitches: How Beyoncé Turned an Elevator Brawl Into a Perfect Year|Kevin Fallon|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Royal Family has benefited hugely from the American blood in its veins.
The Real-Life ‘Downton’ Millionairesses Who Changed Britain|Tim Teeman|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The future Mr. Vergara—and star of ‘True Blood’ and ‘Magic Mike’ shares some life advice in an exclusive video.
Who Is Joe Manganiello? Sofia Vergara’s Fiancé on the Value of Hard Work|The Daily Beast Video|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The blood that accused his friend in his heart, rushed to his face, when he repeated what had been told him.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
All the operations of her brain related themselves somehow to to-morrow afternoon.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
These differences of interests will lead to disputes, ill blood, and finally to separation.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
There lay Bob Rock, covered with blood, and apparently insensible.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
Persistent glycosuria has been noted in brain injuries involving the floor of the fourth ventricle.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd

Medical definitions for blood-brain barrier

blood-brain barrier

A physiological mechanism that alters the permeability of brain capillaries so that some substances, such as certain drugs, are prevented from entering brain tissue, while other substances are allowed to enter freely.

Scientific definitions for blood-brain barrier

blood-brain barrier

A physiological mechanism that alters the permeability of capillaries in the brain, so that some substances, such as certain drugs, are prevented from entering brain tissue, while other substances are allowed to enter freely.

Cultural definitions for blood-brain barrier

blood-brain barrier

The separation of the brain, which is bathed in a clear cerebrospinal fluid, from the bloodstream. The cells near the capillary beds external to the brain selectively filter the molecules that are allowed to enter the brain, creating a more stable, nearly pathogen-free environment.

notes for blood-brain barrier

Oxygen, glucose, and white blood cells are molecules that are able to pass through this barrier. Red blood cells cannot.