blood-brain barrier

noun

: a naturally occurring barrier created by the modification of brain capillaries (as by reduction in fenestration and formation of tight cell-to-cell contacts) that prevents many substances from leaving the blood and crossing the capillary walls into the brain tissues

Examples of blood-brain barrier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Scientists have discovered how to use the parasite’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver a therapy for Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes severe symptoms, including seizures, loss of speech, loss of muscle tone, and difficulty breathing. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2024 The caffeine in coffee tightens up the blood-brain barrier and can decrease how much of the drug makes it to your brain. Courtney Southwick, Health, 23 July 2024 Another is crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a protective barrier between the brain’s blood vessels and the cells and other components that make up the brain tissue. New Atlas, 23 July 2024 Consuming tryptophan with carbohydrates allows more to cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in greater melatonin production.16 To reap the sleep benefits of tryptophan, make a turkey sandwich with whole grain bread or a turkey wrap with a whole wheat tortilla. Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for blood-brain barrier 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blood-brain barrier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blood-brain barrier was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near blood-brain barrier

Cite this Entry

“Blood-brain barrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blood-brain%20barrier. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Medical Definition

blood-brain barrier

noun
: a naturally occurring barrier created by the modification of brain capillaries (as by reduction in fenestration and formation of tight cell-to-cell contacts) that prevents many substances from leaving the blood and crossing the capillary walls into the brain tissues
abbreviation BBB

More from Merriam-Webster on blood-brain barrier

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