Central cytometabolic functional vascular coupling in health and disease

The neurovascular unit includes multiple cell types that communicate with each other on a second-by-second basis using traditional neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules, however the function of each cell or the mechanisms by which homeostasis is maintained are still unclear. Here, we review the important elements of the astro- and neurovascular unit and the modulators that contribute to the orchestration of functional hyperemia in health and disease.