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Glial Cells

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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions

Published on: June 4, 2020

Peripheral glia diversity.

Chelsey B Reed^1,2, M Laura Feltri^1,2,3, Emma R Wilson^1,3

¹Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State, University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.

Journal of Anatomy

|June 16, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Peripheral nervous system glia are diverse, encompassing more than just Schwann cells. This review details their varied origins, structures, and functions, crucial for understanding nervous system health and disease.

Keywords:

Schwann cells boundary cap-derived cutaneous ensheathing enteric olfactory perineurial perisynaptic satellite terminal

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Peripheral Nervous System Research

Background:

Neuroscience traditionally focuses on neurons, overlooking glial cell complexity.
Central nervous system glia subtypes (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia) are increasingly studied.
Peripheral nervous system glia diversity remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the developmental origins, morphology, and functions of peripheral nervous system glia.
To highlight the heterogeneity of peripheral glia beyond Schwann cells.
To emphasize the importance of peripheral glia in nervous system function and pathology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of glial cell research.
Synthesis of data on glial cell development, structure, and function.
Comparative analysis of central vs. peripheral nervous system glia.

Main Results:

Identified numerous peripheral glia populations: Schwann cells (myelinating, Remak, repair), satellite glia, boundary cap-derived glia, perineurial glia, terminal Schwann cells, skin glia, olfactory ensheathing cells, and enteric glia.
Demonstrated significant morphological and functional heterogeneity among these populations.
Linked glial diversity to the varied roles of the peripheral nervous system.

Conclusions:

Peripheral nervous system glia exhibit remarkable diversity in origin, form, and function.
This heterogeneity is essential for the peripheral nervous system's diverse roles.
A comprehensive understanding of the peripheral nervous system requires appreciating its complex glial components in health and disease.