Aivokudosten

Aivokudosten, or brain tissue, refers to the soft, gelatinous tissue that constitutes the brain. It consists of neurons, glial cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix, organized into regions and networks that support signaling, metabolism, and cognitive function. The tissue is broadly divided into gray matter, which contains most neuron cell bodies and synapses, and white matter, which primarily consists of myelinated axons that connect different brain regions.

Neurons relay information via electrical impulses and chemical synapses. Glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, provide structural support, insulation, metabolic supply, and immune functions. Myelin produced by oligodendrocytes increases signal speed along axons. The brain's tissue is highly vascularized and depends on a rich blood supply and a tightly regulated microenvironment.

Functionally, brain tissue supports perception, movement, memory, language, emotion, and executive processes. Its organization into cortical columns, layered architectures, and subcortical nuclei enables complex processing and integration. Developmentally, brain tissue arises from the neural tube; neuronal production and migration shape regional circuitry, with limited adult neurogenesis in certain regions.

Pathology in brain tissue is linked to stroke, trauma, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, often involving cell loss, inflammation, demyelination, or gliosis. Research uses histology, imaging, and molecular techniques to study structure and function, including staining for cell types, synapses, and markers of disease. Preservation and sampling of brain tissue are subject to ethical considerations and strict handling standards.