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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

Published on: November 14, 2016

The barrel cortex as a model to study dynamic neuroglial interaction.

Christian Giaume¹, Miguel Maravall, Egbert Welker

¹Inserm U840, Collège de France, Paris, France. christian.giaume@college-de-france.fr

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry

|June 23, 2009

Summary

Astrocytes (glial cells) dynamically interact with neurons in the barrel cortex. This neuroglial interaction is crucial for brain metabolism, plasticity, and defining functional brain units.

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Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

The Indirect Neuron-astrocyte Coculture Assay: An In Vitro Set-up for the Detailed Investigation of Neuron-glia Interactions

Published on: November 14, 2016

Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 7 T in the Rat Barrel Cortex During Whisker Activation

Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 7 T in the Rat Barrel Cortex During Whisker Activation

Published on: February 8, 2019

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes

Published on: October 4, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology

Background:

Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, are increasingly recognized for their dynamic interactions with neurons.
The barrel cortex provides a well-defined model system for studying neuroglial communication.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and discuss recent findings on astrocyte-neuron interactions within the barrel cortex.
To highlight the role of astrocytes in brain metabolism and plasticity.
To explore the barrel cortex as a model for understanding dynamic neuroglial interactions.

Main Methods:

Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on astrocyte function.
Analysis of neuroglial communication pathways in the barrel cortex.
Examination of astrocyte plasticity and its impact on neuronal activity.

Main Results:

Astrocytes actively receive, integrate, and respond to neuronal signals.
Astrocytes play a significant role in brain metabolism.
Astrocytes exhibit plasticity that influences neuronal activity.
Glial and neuronal compartments in the barrel cortex overlap and interact, defining functional units.

Conclusions:

The barrel cortex demonstrates a complex interplay between astrocytes and neurons.
Astrocytes are integral components of functional brain units.
The barrel cortex model is valuable for future research into dynamic neuroglial interactions.