cerebral blood volume
The total volume of blood within the cerebral vasculature at any given time, typically 3-5% of total intracranial volume in healthy individuals.
Full Definition
Cerebral blood volume (CBV) represents the total amount of blood contained within the brain's vascular compartment, including arteries, capillaries, and veins. In healthy adults, CBV comprises approximately 3-5% of total intracranial volume, roughly 50-75 ml in a normal brain. CBV is a critical component of the Monro-Kellie doctrine, which states that the sum of brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood volume must remain constant within the rigid skull. Changes in CBV can significantly impact intracranial pressure, particularly when cerebral compliance is reduced. CBV can be measured using various neuroimaging techniques and may be altered by factors such as carbon dioxide levels, anesthetics, vasodilatory medications, and pathological conditions affecting cerebral autoregulation.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CBV. Editors should distinguish from cerebral blood flow (CBF) which measures flow rate rather than volume.
In Context
- "Increased cerebral blood volume contributed to the patient's elevated intracranial pressure." — Neurosurgical consultation
- "CBV measurements demonstrated regional variations in vascular reactivity." — Research imaging study