Neuroglial cells

Neuroglial Cells

Neuroglial cells, also known as glial cells, are non-neuronal cells that maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. They are the most abundant cell types in the central nervous system. Types of neuroglial cells include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, Schwann cells, and satellite cells.

Function

Neuroglial cells perform many important functions, including:

• Providing support and nutrition
• Maintaining homeostasis
• Forming myelin
• Participating in signal transmission
• Guiding neuronal development
• Participating in the brain's immune response

Types of Neuroglial Cells

Astrocytes

Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. They perform many functions, including biochemical support of endothelial cells that form the blood–brain barrier, provision of nutrients to the nervous tissue, maintenance of extracellular ion balance, and a role in the repair and scarring process of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic injuries.

Oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes are a type of neuroglia. Their main functions are to provide support and insulation to axons in the central nervous system of some vertebrates, equivalent to the function performed by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system.

Microglia

Microglia are a type of glial cell located throughout the brain and spinal cord. They act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system.

Ependymal Cells

Ependymal cells are a type of glial cell. They line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.

Schwann Cells

Schwann cells or neurolemmocytes are the principal glia of the peripheral nervous system. Glial cells function to support neurons and in the PNS, also perform the function of myelination.

Satellite Cells

Satellite glial cells are glial cells that cover the surface of nerve cell bodies in sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic ganglia.

See Also

• Neuron
• Nervous system
• Neuroscience