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Glial Cells

Glial Cells

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

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...

The Synapse

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.

Integration of Synaptic Events

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...

Neuron Structure

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...

Neuron Structure

Neuron Structure

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

A Novel In Vitro Live-imaging Assay of Astrocyte-mediated Phagocytosis Using pH Indicator-conjugated Synaptosomes

A Novel In Vitro Live-imaging Assay of Astrocyte-mediated Phagocytosis Using pH Indicator-conjugated Synaptosomes

Published on: February 5, 2018

Astrocytes Control Synapse Formation, Function, and Elimination.

Won-Suk Chung¹, Nicola J Allen², Cagla Eroglu³

¹Stanford University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Stanford, California 94305.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

|February 10, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Astrocytes actively regulate synaptic transmission and are crucial for forming, maturing, and eliminating synapses in both developing and adult brains. This review details their roles in synaptic connectivity and function.

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Last Updated: Apr 17, 2026

A Novel In Vitro Live-imaging Assay of Astrocyte-mediated Phagocytosis Using pH Indicator-conjugated Synaptosomes

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Published on: February 5, 2018

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Published on: November 16, 2010

Investigation of Spatial Interaction Between Astrocytes and Neurons in Cleared Brains

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Published on: March 31, 2022

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

Astrocytes are glial cells intimately associated with synapses in the brain.
Their role extends beyond support to actively modulating synaptic function and transmission.
Recent research emphasizes astrocyte involvement in synaptic development.

Purpose of the Study:

To review key findings on astrocytic control over synapse formation, function, and elimination.
To summarize the structural and functional understanding of astrocytes at the synapse.
To discuss mechanisms by which astrocytes influence synaptic development and refinement.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on astrocyte-synapse interactions.
Analysis of structural and functional data on astrocytes.
Examination of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in astrocytic control of synapses.

Main Results:

Astrocytes actively monitor and alter synaptic function, controlling transmission.
They play critical roles in establishing synaptic connectivity during brain development.
Astrocytes influence synapse formation, maturation, and elimination through specific mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Astrocytes are essential regulators of synaptic transmission in adult brains.
They are pivotal in the establishment of synaptic connectivity in the developing brain.
Understanding astrocytic roles is key to comprehending a functional nervous system.