Supportive cells in the nervous system that do not transmit information.
Glial cells: The different types of glial cells and their functions.
Astrocytes: The structure and function of astrocytes in the brain.
Oligodendrocytes: The role of oligodendrocytes in myelination of axons.
Microglia: The function of microglia in brain maintenance and inflammation.
Schwann cells: The role of Schwann cells in peripheral nervous system myelination.
Glial development: The process of glial cell differentiation and maturation.
Signaling pathways: The signaling pathways involved in glial cell communication and function.
Neuroinflammation: The role of glial cells in neuroinflammation and their potential in neurodegenerative diseases.
Glial-neuronal interactions: The ways in which glial cells interact with and influence neuronal activity.
Glia and neurogenesis: The role of glial cells in regulating adult neurogenesis.
Glial plasticity: The ability of glial cells to exhibit plasticity and modify their responses to stimuli.
Glial disease: The diseases and disorders associated with dysfunctional glial cells, such as multiple sclerosis and glioblastoma.
Glial modulation of synaptic transmission: The impact of glial cells on synaptic transmission and plasticity.
Glia and behavior: The link between glial function and behavior, including learning and memory.
Advances in glial research: New techniques and discoveries in the field of glia research.
Astrocytes: The most abundant type of glia in the brain, astrocytes have long branching processes (star-shaped), which make contact with neurons and blood vessels. Astrocytes have various functions including providing structural support, maintaining the brain's chemical environment, and regulating neurotransmitters. They also play an important role in the blood-brain barrier.
Oligodendrocytes: These cells wrap around axons in the central nervous system (CNS) to form myelin, a fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up nerve transmission. Oligodendrocytes also provide nutrients to axons and help repair damage.
Schwann cells: Similar to oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells form myelin around axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They also release growth factors that help regenerate damaged axons.
Microglia: These cells are the immune cells of the CNS, protecting the brain from infections and foreign substances. Microglia also play a role in repairing damaged tissue and removing dead cells.
Ependymal cells: These cells line the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord, where they produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that cushions and protects the brain.
Radial glia: During embryonic development, these cells help guide the growth of neurons to their final destination.
Bergmann glia: Found in the cerebellum, these cells play a role in the development and maintenance of neural circuits involved in motor control.
Muller cells: Found in the retina, these cells provide structural support, regulate the chemical environment, and protect against oxidative stress.
Tanycytes: Found in the hypothalamus, these cells contribute to the regulation of metabolism and hormone secretion.
Protoplasmic astrocytes: These astrocytes are found in the gray matter of the brain, and have short and highly branched processes that cover synapses and help regulate neurotransmitter levels.
Fibrous astrocytes: These astrocytes are found in the white matter of the brain, and have long processes that wrap around axons and help maintain the structural integrity of the brain.
Perivascular cells: These cells are found around blood vessels in the brain, and help regulate the flow of nutrients and waste products between the brain and blood.
Satellite cells: Similar to Schwann cells, satellite cells wrap around neurons in the PNS of the nervous system and provide structural support and nutrients.
Glia limitans cells: Found in the outer-most layer of the brain, glia limitans cells provide a barrier between the brain and subarachnoid space, which helps protect the brain from infections and trauma.
Enteric glia cells: These cells are found in the enteric nervous system, which controls the digestive system, and help regulate gut motility and nutrient absorption.
Neuropil cells: These cells are found in the space between neurons and astrocytes, and help regulate the chemical environment of the brain.