[Neuroglia--living nerve glue]
1Zelluläre Neurowissenschaften, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für molekulare Medizin, Berlin. jarchow@mdc-berlin.de
Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
|October 13, 2011
Summary
The brain has neurons and glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and Schwann cells. These cells interact to maintain brain function and are crucial for understanding neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Context:
- The brain comprises neurons and glial cells, with glial research gaining prominence.
- Glial cells include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia (CNS), and Schwann cells (PNS).
Purpose:
- To elucidate the diverse roles and interactions of glial cells in brain function.
- To highlight the significance of glial cells in understanding neurological diseases.
Summary:
- Astrocytes modulate neuronal activity and blood vessel interactions.
- Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells form myelin, essential for rapid nerve impulse conduction.
- Microglia act as the CNS immune cells, responding to environmental changes and injury.
Impact:
- Emphasizes the brain as an integrated organ where all cell types, including glia, are vital for function.
- Underscores the relevance of glial cell research in advancing the understanding and treatment of brain diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Nervous 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...
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
01:04Glial Cells
Overview
01:15Neurogenesis 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...
01:25Nervous Tissue: Myelin
The myelin sheath is a multilayered lipid and protein covering that insulates the axon of a neuron, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Axons without this sheath are referred to as unmyelinated. Two types of neuroglia, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for producing myelin sheaths.
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
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01:19Nervous Tissue: Neuron Types
Neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system, can be classified based on both their structural and functional characteristics.
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons, on the other hand, have one primary dendrite and one axon. They are...
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
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Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...