Teleologically, the mammalian brain has evolved to be the central component of life. It coordinates afferent and efferent neural pathways, integrates neurohormonal responses and, in humans, produces higher cortical effects that augment developmental and protective processes. Despite this vital role for human survival, the brain is profoundly vulnerable to injury and is in many ways set up to fail with devastating consequences for the patient. Central to this thesis is the anatomical and functional relationship of the brain within its protective enclosures and the impact caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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