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Glial Cells

Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Study Glial Cell Heterogeneity Influence on Axon Growth Using a New Coculture Method

Study Glial Cell Heterogeneity Influence on Axon Growth Using a New Coculture Method

Published on: September 6, 2010

[New development in glial cell research].

Yoshihisa Kudo¹

¹School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo

|August 1, 2007

Summary

Glial cells, once thought passive, are now recognized as active brain participants. Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, play key roles in synaptic function and brain activity.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology

Context:

Historically, glial cells, including astrocytes, were underestimated due to a lack of understanding of their morphology and function.
The traditional neuron-centric view of brain science limited research methods, hindering the study of glial cell roles.

Purpose:

To highlight the dynamic functions of glial cells, particularly astrocytes, in brain activity.
To discuss the involvement of glial cells in the tripartite synapse and their implications for brain function and disorders.

Summary:

Glial cells, or neuroglia, are now understood as active components of the brain, not merely supportive.
Astrocytes actively participate in neuronal signaling by sensing neural activity and releasing gliotransmitters (e.g., ATP, glutamate, D-serine), forming the tripartite synapse.
This article explores the dynamic nature of astrocytes and their potential roles in brain functions and neurological disorders.

More Related Videos

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration

Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration

Published on: January 10, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Study Glial Cell Heterogeneity Influence on Axon Growth Using a New Coculture Method

Study Glial Cell Heterogeneity Influence on Axon Growth Using a New Coculture Method

Published on: September 6, 2010

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration

Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration

Published on: January 10, 2018

Impact:

Shifts the paradigm from a neuron-centric to a more comprehensive neuron-glia system view of the brain.
Emphasizes the need for novel research concepts and methodologies to fully understand brain function and dysfunction.
Suggests that future research incorporating glial cells will be crucial for solving the complexities of brain disorders.