The key factor in determining passage across the blood-brain barrier is __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The key factor in determining passage across the blood-brain barrier is fat solubility. The blood-brain barrier is made up of tight junctions between cells of the capillaries in the brain, which prevent the entry of most substances, including large molecules and microorganisms. However, small lipid-soluble molecules can pass through the barrier, as they can dissolve into the cells of the capillary walls and diffuse across them into the brain.

The Key Factor in Determining Passage Across the Blood-Brain Barrier