The protective effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on brain function and the nervous system have attracted a lot of attention. Numerous studies have illustrated the anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative and cardiovascular protective effects of PUFAs, as well as the protective effects on brain function, particularly nerve cells. In this article, we review the mechanisms of brain-protective effects of PUFAs in following fields: how PUFAs promote neurogenesis, maintain nerve cell morphology and function, improve neurite growth;prevent neurodegeneration, depress nerve cell apoptosis and reg...