Neurovascular Coupling and Functional Neuroimaging

Introduction: The neural regulation of the microcirculation is done by the functional neurovascular unit that is composed of vascular, astroglial and neuronal cells. The neurovascular unit represents the interface between the Central Nervous System and the Vascular System. Objective: This paper reviews the literature on functional neuroimaging with a particular focus on the mechanisms of the neurovascular coupling. Conclusions: Functional neuroimaging techniques as functional MRI, SPECT and PET distinguish metabolic and physiological processe