Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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...

Glial Cells

Glial Cells

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Bacterial infection reshapes monocyte and macrophage ontogeny at the CNS borders.

Science immunology·2026

Same author

Breaking barriers: how cytomegaloviruses manipulate myeloid cells to invade tissues.

EMBO reports·2026

Same author

A transcriptomic microglia taxonomy across mouse and human pathologies.

Nature immunology·2026

Same author

The Arp2/3 complex controls the development of homeostatic microglia.

EMBO reports·2026

Same author

Activated ATF6α is a hepatic tumour driver restricting immunosurveillance.

Nature·2026

Same author

Kupffer Cell-Derived Tnf Triggers Cholangiocellular Tumorigenesis through JNK due to Chronic Mitochondrial Dysfunction and ROS.

Cancer cell·2026

Same journal

Extracellular matrix reprogramming by the YAP/TAZ- TGF-ß2 axis drives immune exclusion in cholangiocarcinoma models.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026

Same journal

Tumor cell-derived extracellular vesicles foster the immunosuppressive landscape of pancreatic cancer.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026

Same journal

Julie Zikherman receives the ASCI/Marian W. Ropes, MD, Award.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026

Same journal

Targeted degradation of MDM2 overcomes feedback regulation of p53 signaling in Merkel cell carcinoma models.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026

Same journal

SGLT2 inhibitors enhance ketogenesis by acting as allosteric activators of the mitochondrial enzyme HMGCS2.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026

Same journal

MDM2 degraders for Merkel cell carcinoma: round peg in a round hole.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 26, 2026

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

Microglia in steady state.

Katrin Kierdorf¹, Marco Prinz²

¹Department of Life Sciences and MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation

|July 18, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microglia, the CNS immune cells, not only survey but also regulate neuronal networks during development and in adults. These cells are crucial for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis.

More Related Videos

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

In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma

In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma

Published on: May 11, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Feb 26, 2026

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

In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma

In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma

Published on: May 11, 2015

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Cell Biology

Background:

Microglial cells are the primary immune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS).
Traditionally known for immune surveillance in the healthy CNS.
Emerging evidence suggests broader roles beyond immune functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on the steady-state functions of microglial cells.
To identify factors critical for physiological microglial function.
To elucidate the role of microglia in maintaining CNS tissue homeostasis.

Main Methods:

This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
Literature search and analysis of recent studies on microglial cell functions.
Focus on studies investigating microglial roles in development, adult CNS function, and homeostasis.

Main Results:

Microglia actively instruct and regulate neuronal network function in the adult CNS.
These cells are essential orchestrators in the construction of neuronal networks during development.
Microglia play a significant role in maintaining the physiological balance of the CNS.

Conclusions:

Microglial cells have multifaceted roles in the CNS, extending beyond immune surveillance.
Understanding microglial functions is key to comprehending neuronal network development and adult CNS regulation.
Microglia are vital for maintaining central nervous system homeostasis.