However, because the astrocytes surrounding the vessels are connected by gap junctions, it is not considered part of the BBB and material can readily pass between the foot processes.
The statement explains that although astrocytes are important in brain function and form a barrier around blood vessels, they are not considered part of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) due to their connection via gap junctions with other astrocytes. This allows for the passage of substances between the foot processes.