Glymphatic Brain Clearing (Lymphatics) | Genius Insight | Ariel Policano

The glymphatic system is a recently discovered macroscopic waste clearance system that utilizes a unique system of perivascular tunnels, formed by astroglial cells, to promote efficient elimination of soluble proteins and metabolites from the central nervous system. 

Besides waste elimination, the glymphatic system also facilitates  brain-wide distribution of several compounds, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, growth factors, and neuromodulators. Intriguingly, the glymphatic system function mainly during sleep and is largely disengaged during wakefulness. The biological need for sleep across all species may therefore reflect that the brain must enter a state of activity that enables elimination of potentially neurotoxic waste products, including β-amyloid. Since the concept of the glymphatic system is relatively new, we will here review its basic structural elements, organization, regulation, and functions. We will also discuss recent studies indicating that glymphatic function is suppressed in various diseases and that failure of glymphatic function in turn might contribute to pathology in neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Frequencies include:

Anterior intercavernous sinus 

Aquaporin-4

Aquaporins

Astrocyte signaling

Astrocyte

Beta amyloid clearance as needed

Cavernous sinus

Central nervous system

Cerebrospinal fluid

Choroid plexus

Clear extracellular solutes as needed

Clearance mechanisms work well

Cranial sinuses

Create optimal sleep conditions

Deep delta waves for maximum glymphatic function

Epithelial cells

Glial cells optimal function

Interior saggital sinus

Internal cerebral vein

Interstitial fluid 

Maximal drainage of glymphatic system

Meningeal lymphatic system optimized