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Related Concept Videos

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells01:31

Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells

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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).
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless liquid that flows around the brain and the spinal cord, playing a vital role in the protection, support, and overall function of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF production, circulation, and absorption are tightly regulated processes essential for the brain and spinal cord to function properly.
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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 13, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes
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Isolation and Culture of Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

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Astrocytes: Everything but the glue.

Oscar Gonzalez-Perez1, Veronica Lopez-Virgen1, Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa2

  • 1Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima, Col 28040, Mexico.

Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation
|May 5, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Glial cells, once thought subordinate, are now known to be crucial for brain function and disease. Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells, strategically interact with neural tissue components, influencing brain activity.

Keywords:
AstrocyteNG2-gliaglianeural stem cellsoligodendrocyte

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Neural tissue comprises neurons and glia.
  • Glial cells, historically viewed as support cells, are increasingly recognized for their vital roles.
  • Astrocytes (astroglia) are the most abundant glial cells in the adult brain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the evolving understanding of glial cell functions in the central nervous system.
  • To emphasize the critical roles of astrocytes in modulating neural tissue functions and neurological disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current neuroscience literature.
  • Analysis of the structural and positional characteristics of astrocytes within the brain parenchyma.

Main Results:

  • Glial cells, including astrocytes, play essential roles in normal brain function and neurological disease.
  • Astrocytes' abundance and strategic location enable them to modulate various neural tissue functions.

Conclusions:

  • The traditional view of glial cells as merely subordinate to neurons is outdated.
  • Astrocytes possess a unique capacity to influence brain function due to their widespread interactions within neural tissue.