Glial cells
Glial Cells
Glial cells (pronunciation: /ˈɡliːəl/), also known as neuroglia or simply glia, are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons.
Etymology
The term "glial" comes from the Greek word "glia," which means "glue." This term was originally used because glial cells were thought to function as a glue, holding the neurons together.
Types of Glial Cells
There are several types of glial cells, each with its own function:
- Astrocytes - These are star-shaped cells that provide physical and nutritional support for neurons. They also maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate the fluid around neurons.
- Oligodendrocytes - These cells are responsible for creating the myelin sheath, a fatty layer that insulates neurons in the CNS.
- Microglia - These are the immune cells of the CNS. They protect the brain from infection and damage by engulfing and destroying pathogens and damaged cells.
- Schwann Cells - These cells create the myelin sheath in the PNS. They also aid in the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers.
- Ependymal Cells - These cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. They produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.
Related Terms
- Neuron - The primary cell type in the nervous system, which transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.
- Myelin - A fatty substance that insulates neurons and speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Blood-brain barrier - A semi-permeable barrier that separates the blood from the brain and protects it from harmful substances.
- Cerebrospinal fluid - A clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glial cells
- Wikipedia's article - Glial cells
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski