RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Unveiling the Extracellular Space of the Brain: From Super-resolved Microstructure to In Vivo Function JF The Journal of Neuroscience JO J. Neurosci. FD Society for Neuroscience SP 9355 OP 9363 DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1664-18.2018 VO 38 IS 44 A1 Sabina Hrabetova A1 Laurent Cognet A1 Dmitri A. Rusakov A1 U. Valentin Nägerl YR 2018 UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/38/44/9355.abstract AB The extracellular space occupies approximately one-fifth of brain volume, molding a spider web of gaps filled with interstitial fluid and extracellular matrix where neurons and glial cells perform in concert. Yet, very little is known about the spatial organization and dynamics of the extracellular space, let alone its influence on brain function, owing to a lack of appropriate techniques (and a traditional bias toward the inside of cells, not the spaces in between). At the same time, it is clear that understanding fundamental brain functions, such as synaptic transmission, memory, sleep, and recovery from disease, calls for more focused research on the extracellular space of the brain. This review article highlights several key research areas, covering recent methodological and conceptual progress that illuminates this understudied, yet critically important, brain compartment, providing insights into the opportunities and challenges of this nascent field.