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Related Concept Videos

Altered States of Awareness01:06

Altered States of Awareness

Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

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...
Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
Neuron Structure01:30

Neuron Structure

Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Cytoplasm01:24

Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.
Protein Folding and Misfolding
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

A Method for 3D Reconstruction and Virtual Reality Analysis of Glial and Neuronal Cells
12:49

A Method for 3D Reconstruction and Virtual Reality Analysis of Glial and Neuronal Cells

Published on: September 28, 2019

Astrocyte, the star avatar: redefined.

Pankaj Seth1, Nitin Koul

  • 1Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre, India. pseth@nbrc.res.in

Journal of Biosciences
|November 14, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Glial cells, once thought to be mere support, now show crucial roles in brain function, including synapse regulation and neurogenesis. Astrocytes are key players in this evolving understanding of neurobiology.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Neurobiology

Background:

  • Glial cells, including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, were traditionally viewed as passive support cells for neurons.
  • Recent discoveries reveal complex, active roles for glial cells in brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving understanding of glial cell functions.
  • To highlight the critical roles of astrocytes in neurobiology, particularly in adult neurogenesis and stemness.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on glial cell functions.
  • Synthesis of evidence on novel glial cell activities.

Main Results:

  • Glial cells actively regulate synapse formation and function.

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Culturing In Vivo-like Murine Astrocytes Using the Fast, Simple, and Inexpensive AWESAM Protocol
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Culturing In Vivo-like Murine Astrocytes Using the Fast, Simple, and Inexpensive AWESAM Protocol

Published on: January 10, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

A Method for 3D Reconstruction and Virtual Reality Analysis of Glial and Neuronal Cells
12:49

A Method for 3D Reconstruction and Virtual Reality Analysis of Glial and Neuronal Cells

Published on: September 28, 2019

Culturing In Vivo-like Murine Astrocytes Using the Fast, Simple, and Inexpensive AWESAM Protocol
07:56

Culturing In Vivo-like Murine Astrocytes Using the Fast, Simple, and Inexpensive AWESAM Protocol

Published on: January 10, 2018

  • Glial cells are involved in brain communication, cerebrovascular tone, and immune regulation.
  • Astrocytes play a significant role in adult neurogenesis and maintaining stemness.

    • Conclusions:

    • The perception of glial cells has shifted from passive support to active participants in brain function.
    • Astrocytes are vital for understanding human brain neurobiology, especially in the context of regeneration and stem cell activity.