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Related Concept Videos

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...
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
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.
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...
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...

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Decoupling astrocytes in adult mice impairs synaptic plasticity and spatial learning.

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Permeation of Molecules through Astroglial Connexin 43 Hemichannels Is Modulated by Cytokines with Parameters Depending on the Permeant Species.

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Glial Connexins and Pannexins in the Healthy and Diseased Brain.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

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

Published on: October 4, 2018

Astroglial Wiring is Adding Complexity to Neuroglial Networking.

Christian Giaume1

  • 1INSERM U840, Collège de France Paris, France.

Frontiers in Neuroenergetics
|October 6, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Astrocytes form communicating networks via gap junctions, influencing neuronal activity. Understanding this neuroglial networking is crucial for brain function and dysfunction research.

Keywords:
astrocytesastroglial networksconnexinsgap junctionsglial cells

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Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration
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Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System
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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

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
10:10

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

Published on: October 4, 2018

Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration
08:52

Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration

Published on: January 10, 2018

Imaging Analysis of Neuron to Glia Interaction in Microfluidic Culture Platform (MCP)-based Neuronal Axon and Glia Co-culture System
09:34

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

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Glial Cell Biology

Background:

  • Astrocytes form extensive communicating networks through connexins and gap junction channels.
  • The permeability of these astroglial networks affects ion and small molecule signaling, impacting neuronal activity and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify necessary future technical and conceptual advances.
  • To deepen the understanding of neuroglial networking's role in brain function and dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and conceptual analysis of astrocyte communication.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps in neuroglial networking research.

Main Results:

  • Discussion of current understanding of astroglial networks.
  • Identification of key areas for future research in neuroglial communication.

Conclusions:

  • Further technical and conceptual progress is required to fully elucidate the impact of neuroglial networks on brain health and disease.
  • Enhanced understanding of astrocyte networks is vital for advancing neuroscience.