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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...

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

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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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: February 16, 2018

Microglia and neuroprotection.

Zhihong Chen¹, Bruce D Trapp¹

¹Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Journal of Neurochemistry

|February 19, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, protect the central nervous system (CNS) by clearing debris and reducing inflammation. Recent research highlights their crucial role in maintaining brain health and function.

Keywords:

M2-like microglia neuroprotection phagocytosis synaptic stripping

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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: February 16, 2018

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Microglia, identified over a century ago, are the central nervous system's (CNS) resident innate immune cells.
They colonize the CNS during development and play vital roles in brain maturation.
Traditionally viewed as detrimental in neurological diseases, recent studies reveal their protective functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in understanding the neuroprotective roles of microglia.
To highlight how microglia maintain CNS homeostasis under pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies on microglia function.
Analysis of microglia's roles in various neurological conditions and injury models.

Main Results:

Microglia actively survey the CNS environment and activate upon challenge.
Activated microglia protect the brain from injury by modulating neuronal synapses.
Microglia promote neurogenesis, clear debris, and suppress inflammation in diseases like stroke, autism, and Alzheimer's.

Conclusions:

Microglia are essential for maintaining CNS homeostasis and offer neuroprotection.
Their functions include debris clearance, neurogenesis promotion, inflammation suppression, and synaptic stripping.
Understanding microglia's multifaceted roles is key for developing new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.