The brain requires approximately 800 ml of blood per minute, which is about 15% of the total basal cardiac output. This translates to roughly 57 ml/100 g tissue/min.
In more detail:
The brain is a highly metabolically active organ, and thus, requires a significant and continuous supply of blood. This blood delivers crucial oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.
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Blood Flow Rate: The average blood flow rate is approximately 57 ml per 100 grams of brain tissue per minute.
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Total Volume: For the entire brain, this amounts to nearly 800 ml of blood every minute.
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Percentage of Cardiac Output: This represents about 15% of the total basal cardiac output, highlighting the brain's significant demand for blood relative to the rest of the body.
A disruption in this blood flow, such as in a stroke, can lead to rapid and severe neurological damage due to oxygen deprivation. Therefore, maintaining adequate cerebral blood flow is crucial for brain health and function.
