Tag: Blood brain barrier

Despite what some may think, abnormally high permeability in the body's protective barriers is a serious health concern, not a benefit. While the question 'why is high permeability good?' arises from a misunderstanding, the real focus should be on the crucial importance of *selective* permeability for optimal health.

The human body is a marvel of metabolic flexibility, yet there's a unique and persistent metabolic quirk: the brain's strict preference for glucose as its primary fuel. This distinct characteristic answers the question of **Which organ cannot use fatty acids** directly for energy under normal conditions.

Your body is protected by numerous selective barriers, from the lining of your gut to the cells that form your blood vessels. In medical terms, permeability refers to the ability of substances to pass through these biological membranes, a fundamental process for cellular function and overall health. This controlled passage is vital for delivering nutrients, removing waste, and protecting sensitive organs.

In medicine, a fact-based definition states that the term vasogenic refers to something originating from or caused by the blood vessels. This concept is most commonly discussed in relation to swelling in the brain, a potentially life-threatening condition known as vasogenic edema.