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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...

Nervous Tissue: Myelin

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 19, 2025

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

Neuroprotective function of microglia in the developing brain.

Yuki Fujita^1,2, Toshihide Yamashita^1,2,3,4

¹Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

Neuronal Signaling

|February 3, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are crucial for healthy brain development and function. This review highlights their neuroprotective roles and how their dysfunction can lead to brain disorders.

Keywords:

brain cell death microglia neuron neurotrophic factors

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Last Updated: Nov 19, 2025

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

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Characterization and Isolation of Mouse Primary Microglia by Density Gradient Centrifugation

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Published on: February 16, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Developmental Biology

Background:

Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system.
Beyond pathology, microglia actively shape neuronal structure and function in healthy brains.
Emerging research underscores their role in maintaining brain homeostasis, particularly during development.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of microglia's function during brain development.
To emphasize the neuroprotective capabilities of microglia.
To explore the consequences of microglial dysfunction in brain health and disease.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies on microglia in brain development.
Synthesis of evidence on microglial roles in neurogenesis, cell survival, and synaptic plasticity.
Analysis of the link between microglial dysfunction and neurological disorders.

Main Results:

Microglia play vital roles in regulating neurogenesis and synapse maturation/elimination.
These cells are essential for maintaining healthy brain homeostasis throughout development.
Evidence suggests a critical neuroprotective function for microglia in the developing brain.

Conclusions:

Microglia are integral to normal brain development and function.
Dysfunctional microglia contribute to impaired brain function and disease pathogenesis.
Further research into microglial roles is crucial for understanding and treating neurological conditions.