Clive Leighton
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Glia, also called glial cells (gliocytes) or neuroglia, are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system that do not produce electrical impulses.
The term glia (from the Greek word meaning “glue”) reflects the nineteenth-century presumption that these cells held the nervous system together in some way. The word has survived, despite the lack of any evidence that binding nerve cells together is among the many functions of glial cells.
Glia is the top neurobiology journal for research into glial cells (also called gliocytes or neuroglia). Articles cover all aspects of glial cell biology in health and disease.
Feb 13, 2017 · Glial cells, consisting of microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte lineage cells as their major components, constitute a large fraction of the mammalian brain. Originally considered as purely non-functional glue for neurons, decades of research have highlighted the importance as well as further functions of glial cells.
Mar 10, 2023 · Glial cells are a type of cell that provides physical and chemical support to neurons and maintain their environment. Located in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, glial cells are sometimes called the "glue" of the nervous system, as well as neuroglia or just glia.
Oct 10, 2018 · Glia constitute roughly half of the cells of the central nervous system (CNS), but were long-considered static bystanders to its formation and function. Here we provide an overview of how the diverse and dynamic functions of glial cells orchestrate essentially all aspects of nervous system formation and function.
Sep 14, 2021 · Glial cells, or neuroglia or simply glia, are the other type of cell found in nervous tissue. They are considered to be supporting cells, and many functions are directed at helping neurons complete their function for communication.
Feb 15, 2024 · Glial cells are smaller, more numerous and are morphologically and functionally different from neuronal cells. Additionally, they do not propagate action potentials. This article will look at glial cells (or glia) in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Oct 31, 2023 · Glia guide developing neurons to their destinations, buffer harmful ions and chemicals, and build the myelin sheaths around axons. In the CNS astrocytes provide nutrients to neurons, give synapses structural support, and block toxic substances from entering the brain; satellite glia provide nutrients and structural support for neurons in the PNS.
Oct 15, 2020 · Glial cells, neuroglial cells, or glia are no longer considered to have a purely structural role within the central nervous system; they have also been found to regulate nerve firing rates, brain plasticity, and immune responses.
