Applied cerebral physiology

This article reviews cerebral metabolism and blood flow, and the pressure dynamics within the cranial cavity. The brain functions within the confines of the cranial cavity and it is important to understand the dynamics of the parenchyma, cerebrospinal fluid and blood in relation to intracranial pressure (ICP) and metabolic needs. It requires an uninterrupted supply of oxygen and glucose to maintain its basal energy requirements and these are increased during periods of enhanced activity. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is therefore critical for normal cerebral function. Its control is dictated by local intrinsic metabolic needs as well as extraneous factors such as arterial blood pressure, arterial carbon dioxide and oxygen tension, temperature and neural factors; all of which can be measured to guide therapy.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research