Glial cells

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system. They maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons. In the central nervous system, glial cells include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells, and microglia, and in the peripheral nervous system, glial cells include Schwann cells and satellite cells.

Function[edit | edit source]

Glial cells perform many important functions, including:

  • Biochemical support of endothelial cells: Glial cells provide nutrients to nervous tissue and regulate the concentration of extracellular ions and neurotransmitters.
  • Provision of myelin for neurons: In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes provide myelin for neurons, while in the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells perform this function.
  • Maintenance of homeostasis: Astrocytes control the chemical environment around neurons by removing excess ions and recycling neurotransmitters.
  • Immune response: Microglia and astrocytes act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system.

Types of Glial Cells[edit | edit source]

There are several types of glial cells, each with its own function:

  • Oligodendrocytes: These cells provide support and insulation to axons in the central nervous system.
  • Astrocytes: These star-shaped cells have many functions, including biochemical support of endothelial cells, provision of nutrients to the nervous tissue, and maintenance of extracellular ion balance.
  • Microglia: These cells act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system.
  • Ependymal Cells: These cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
  • Schwann Cells: These cells form the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system.
  • Satellite Cells: These cells provide physical support to neurons in the peripheral nervous system.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Glial cells Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD