Haemodynamic response

The canonical haemodynamic response function (HRF). The spike indicates a brief intense period of neuron stimulation, which requires increased blood and nutrient flow. As the needs of the neuronal activity are met, blood flow returns to homeostatic levels.

In haemodynamics, the body must respond to physical activities, external temperature, and other factors by homeostatically adjusting its blood flow to deliver nutrients such as oxygen and glucose to stressed tissues and allow them to function. Haemodynamic response (HR) allows the rapid delivery of blood to active neuronal tissues. The brain consumes large amounts of energy but does not have a reservoir of stored energy substrates. Since higher processes in the brain occur almost constantly, cerebral blood flow is essential for the maintenance of neurons, astrocytes, and other cells of the brain. This coupling between neuronal activity and blood flow is also referred to as neurovascular coupling.[1]

  1. ^ Iadecola, Costantino (2017). "The Neurovascular Unit Coming of Age: A Journey through Neurovascular Coupling in Health and Disease". Neuron. 96 (1): 17–42. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2017.07.030. PMC 5657612. PMID 28957666.