Glia limitans

Glia limitans is a thin barrier of astrocytic foot processes associated with the parenchymal basal lamina that separates the brain parenchyma from the leptomeninges. It is a part of the blood-brain barrier and plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the brain's microenvironment.

Structure

The glia limitans is composed of two layers: the superficial glia limitans, which is located along the surface of the brain and spinal cord, and the perivascular glia limitans, which is found around the blood vessels in the brain. Both layers are made up of astrocytic foot processes that are covered by a thin layer of basal lamina.

Function

The primary function of the glia limitans is to protect the brain from potentially harmful substances in the blood. It does this by forming a barrier that prevents these substances from entering the brain tissue. In addition, the glia limitans also plays a role in regulating the movement of cells and molecules between the brain and the blood.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the structure or function of the glia limitans can lead to a variety of neurological disorders. For example, breakdown of the glia limitans has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, a disease characterized by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath in the central nervous system. In addition, abnormalities in the glia limitans have been associated with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and brain tumors.

See also

• Astrocyte
• Blood-brain barrier
• Leptomeninges
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer's disease

References

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