Neurovascular coupling is the phenomenon in which changes in neural activity in the brain are tightly regulated by changes in local blood flow. This intricate relationship ensures that the brain receives adequate oxygen and nutrients to support its high metabolic demands during tasks or stimuli that require increased neural activity. Neurovascular coupling is crucial for maintaining proper brain function and is believed to play a role in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke. Researchers study neurovascular coupling to better understand how the brain regulates blood flow and to develop potential interventions for neurological disorders.