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Related Concept Videos

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...
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Glial Cells

Overview
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.
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Nervous Tissue: Myelin01:25

Nervous 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...
Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions
08:00

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

Glia keep synapse distribution under wraps.

Laura E Clarke1, Ben A Barres

  • 1Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. lclarke2@stanford.edu

Cell
|July 23, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Glia play a vital role in guiding nerve cell axons to their correct targets. This research highlights glia's function in maintaining proper synaptic connections during nervous system development.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Axon guidance is essential for establishing functional neural circuits.
  • Proper maintenance of axonal position is critical during nervous system development.
  • The role of glial cells in precise wiring and connectivity is an area of ongoing research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of glial cells in maintaining correct synaptic connectivity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which glia influence axon positioning during development.

Main Methods:

  • The study likely involved in vivo imaging or genetic manipulation techniques in model organisms.
  • Analysis of axonal pathfinding and synaptic formation in the presence or absence of specific glial functions.

Main Results:

  • Shao et al. (2013) identified a crucial function for glia in preserving correct synaptic connectivity.
  • Glia actively contribute to maintaining the precise positioning of axons during developmental growth.

Conclusions:

  • Glial cells are not merely supportive but actively participate in the precise wiring of the nervous system.
  • Understanding glial roles is key to comprehending neural circuit formation and potential developmental disorders.