Neuronal activity is intimately linked with changes in metabolic needs and changes in cortical blood flow. Even minor interruptions in flow can adversely affect cognitive function. We take a holistic approach toward this issue and advance the use of modern optical techniques to map the architecture of the brain’s vasculature and determine the reliability and fragility of brain vasculature, probe reliability with targeted occlusions, discover and manipulate points that control flow, and begin to delineate neuronal control of the cortical blood supply.