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Related Concept Videos

Glial Cells01:04

Glial Cells

Overview
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters01:29

Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters

When an action potential reaches the presynaptic axon terminal, it releases neurotransmitters from the neuron into the synaptic cleft at a chemical synapse. The released neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory. The critical criteria commonly used to determine whether a molecule is a neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse are the molecule's presence in the presynaptic neuron. Second, its release is in response to strong presynaptic depolarization. And lastly, the presence of specific...
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...
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue01:28

Disorders of the Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue01:15

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...
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.
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The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia
11:36

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia

Published on: November 14, 2020

Astrocyte-neuron interactions in neurological disorders.

G Ricci1, L Volpi, L Pasquali

  • 1Neurologic Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. g_ricci@alice.it

Journal of Biological Physics
|August 12, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Astrocytes, once thought to only support neurons, actively participate in brain functions like neurotransmission and synapse modulation. Their dysfunction is increasingly linked to neurological disorders.

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia
11:36

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Published on: November 14, 2020

In vitro Modeling for Neurological Diseases using Direct Conversion from Fibroblasts to Neuronal Progenitor Cells and Differentiation into Astrocytes
11:42

In vitro Modeling for Neurological Diseases using Direct Conversion from Fibroblasts to Neuronal Progenitor Cells and Differentiation into Astrocytes

Published on: June 10, 2021

Investigation of Spatial Interaction Between Astrocytes and Neurons in Cleared Brains
05:17

Investigation of Spatial Interaction Between Astrocytes and Neurons in Cleared Brains

Published on: March 31, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Astrocytes traditionally viewed as supportive cells for neurons in the central nervous system.
  • Emerging research reveals astrocytes' critical roles in neurotransmission, homeostasis, signaling, inflammation, and synapse modulation.
  • Astrocytes engage in bidirectional communication with neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the multifaceted roles of astrocytes beyond mere trophic support.
  • To emphasize the growing understanding of astrocyte involvement in central nervous system functions.
  • To underscore the significance of astrocyte dysfunction in neurological disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of studies on astrocyte function and neuronal interaction.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking astrocyte dysfunction to neurological conditions.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytes are integral to neurotransmission, metabolite and electrolyte balance, cell signaling, inflammation, and synaptic plasticity.
  • Bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons is a key aspect of central nervous system function.
  • Astrocyte dysfunction is implicated in the pathology of various neurological disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Astrocytes play active and diverse roles in the central nervous system.
  • Disruptions in astrocyte function are critical contributors to neurological diseases.
  • Further research into astrocyte biology is essential for understanding and treating neurological disorders.