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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.
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Updated: Jul 12, 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

Cajal's contributions to glia research.

Virginia García-Marín¹, Pablo García-López, Miguel Freire

¹Museum Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Cajal, CSIC Avda. Doctor Arce 37, Madrid 28002, Spain. vgmarin@cajal.csic.es

Trends in Neurosciences

|September 4, 2007

Summary

Santiago Ramón y Cajal

Area of Science:

Neuroscience and Neurohistology

Background:

Santiago Ramón y Cajal's Nobel Prize recognized his neuron research.
Less known is Cajal's significant, pioneering work on glial cells.
He developed novel staining techniques for studying glia.

Discussion:

Cajal's research included detailed morphological descriptions of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and radial glia.
He proposed early hypotheses on glial roles in sleep, wakefulness, and attention.
This article examines Cajal's original drawings and scientific writings on glia.

Key Insights:

Cajal's glial research, including morphology and functional speculation, was remarkably advanced for his time.
His work highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Cajal to glial cell understanding.
Demonstrates Cajal's prescient insights into the broader functions of brain support cells.

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Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Published on: October 14, 2012

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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

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

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Published on: September 6, 2010

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

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Published on: June 4, 2020

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System

Published on: October 14, 2012

Outlook:

Re-evaluating Cajal's contributions provides historical context for modern glial research.
Encourages further exploration of historical scientific insights in contemporary neuroscience.
Underscores the enduring legacy of Cajal's meticulous scientific investigations.