Neurovascular Architecture Of The Brain As A Limit Of Biological Reproducibility: From The Connectome And Vasculome To The Problem Of Consciousness Identity

The human brain is an integrated neurovascular system where neurons, blood vessels, glial cells, and metabolism work together. Neurovascular coupling, the blood–brain barrier, and the glymphatic system support cognitive processes. The vasculome is proposed as an additional organizational level alongside the connectome. Current brain reconstruction approaches have limitations, leading to a Biological Non-Reproducibility Principle for complex self-organizing systems. A neurovascular limit of consciousness hypothesis suggests conscious experience depends on sustained energetic and metabolic integration, not just neural architecture. Reproducing the brain cannot be reduced to copying neuronal connections. This perspective reshapes understanding of consciousness continuity, personal identity, and future brain bioengineering.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article examines the human brain as an integrated neurovascular architecture in which neuronal, vascular, glial, and metabolic components form a unified functional system. Drawing on contemporary findings in neuroscience, the study analyzes mechanisms of neurovascular coupling, the role of the blood–brain barrier, the glymphatic system, and the energetic foundations of cognitive processes. Particular attention is devoted to the concept of the vasculome as an additional level of brain organization complementing the traditional connectome framework. The paper discusses the limitations of current approaches to brain reconstruction and proposes the conceptual Biological Non-Reproducibility Principle for complex self-organizing systems. A hypothesis of a neurovascular limit of consciousness is introduced, suggesting that conscious experience depends not only on neural architecture but also on sustained energetic and metabolic integration. The findings indicate that reproducing the brain cannot be reduced to copying neuronal connections alone. The study offers a new perspective on the continuity of consciousness, personal identity, and the boundaries of future technological reconstruction of the human brain. Keywords: neurovascular architecture; neurovascular unit; vasculome; cerebral microcirculation; blood–brain barrier; glymphatic system; biological reproducibility; consciousness identity; brain bioengineering; philosophy of consciousness.