Metabolic brain activity refers to the energy production and utilization processes that sustain neuronal function. Key metabolic processes include:
- Blood flow regulation
- ensures oxygen and glucose delivery to active regions
- Glucose metabolism
- primary energy source for neurons
- Oxygen consumption
- used in oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria
- ATP production and energy transfer
- via glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation
- Lactate production
- astrocytes provide lactate as an alternative fuel