Science is Fun Fridays!

 


A distinct layer of tissue has been discovered in the brain, and is one of four such membranes between the skull and the brain.

The meningeal layer consists of the dura, arachnoid, and pia mater membranes.  The latest addition divides the subarachnoid space, which contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

It is called the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane and appears to separate clean CSF from dirty CSF that contains cells' waste products.


CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a shock absorber as well as providing immunological protection to the brain.  It also serves a vital function in the regulation of cerebral blood flow.

The SLYM was found to be packed with immune cells, which can use the membrane to surveil the CSF for signs of infection or inflammation.

Tears in the SLYM can lead to these cells entering the brain, possibly explaining prolonged inflammation following injury.  There may also be implications for Alzheimer's, as a rupture could explain prolonged suppression of glymphatic flow.


IFL Science

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Science is Fun Fridays!

Image
  Science is also serious. You may have heard that a case review is ongoing regarding the safety and science of an abortion pill, called mifepristone, that has been on the market since 2000. It's another attack from antiabortionists who want to restrict others from care and choice for themselves. Of course, the FDA already vetted the drug and numerous studies show the pill is safe and effective. "If courts can go against a whole tremendous amount of scientific evidence, that just doesn't seem right." More Info: Science News News and Politics
Read more

Vacation Open Thread

Image
 Off we go! To the left - we're heading towards Utah and then down to Bryce Canyon. I'll pop in when I can so please share whatever you'd like throughout the week - music, news, some crazy fashion, or just a cool photo.  😊 I'll be back on the 23rd!
Read more

Drinksgiving!

Image
 A newer tradition developed from the horrors of certain families, or maybe just the stress of all the preparation, but Hubby and I are ditching all that this year - we're going camping. Perhaps some brandy to help keep us warm.... And I came across a yummy martini recipe: you'll need a pumpkin liquor (the particular one was a whiskey), vanilla vodka, and Irish cream.  Shake 'em up and then add a pinch of cinnamon and/or nutmeg. Be safe, be fed, be thankful. All my love.
Read more