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Related Concept Videos

Neuroplasticity01:01

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
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...
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...
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory01:23

Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory

Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
 Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
08:48

Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: August 16, 2018

Astrocytes and synaptic plasticity.

Alison J Barker1, Erik M Ullian

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry
|March 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell, actively modulate synaptic plasticity by releasing factors that influence synapse number, neurotransmitter spread, and synaptic transmission. These findings highlight astrocytes as key regulators of neuronal communication and brain function.

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Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Synaptic Microcircuit Modeling with 3D Cocultures of Astrocytes and Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
08:48

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Published on: August 16, 2018

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12:47

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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number
18:11

Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

Published on: November 16, 2010

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Glial Biology

Background:

  • Synaptic plasticity, the modification of synapse strength and number, was traditionally viewed as a neuronal function.
  • Neurons operate within complex glial networks, with astrocytes forming intimate connections at synaptic sites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of astrocytes in modulating synaptic plasticity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which astrocytes influence synaptic function and development.

Main Methods:

  • The study likely involved in vivo and in vitro techniques to observe astrocyte-synapse interactions.
  • Analysis of molecular signaling pathways and cellular dynamics at the synapse.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytes release soluble factors that enhance synapse number and provide synaptic insulation.
  • Astrocytes release gliotransmitters that directly impact synaptic transmission.
  • Astrocyte processes exhibit high mobility during synaptogenesis, aiding in new synapse stabilization.

Conclusions:

  • Astrocytes are integral to synaptic plasticity, not merely supportive cells.
  • Astrocyte modulation of synaptic function is multifaceted, affecting synapse formation, transmission, and stability.
  • Further research into astrocyte-synapse interactions is crucial for understanding brain function and plasticity.