Summary
Support cells such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes that nourish, insulate and protect neurons.
In depth
Astrocytes regulate ions and the blood-brain barrier; oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells make myelin; microglia are immune cells; ependymal cells line ventricles. They are involved in synapse formation and are implicated in disease.
Astrocytes take up glutamate and potassium. Microglia respond to injury. Oligodendrocytes myelinate several axons; Schwann cells myelinate one segment of one axon.
Remember: glia outnumber neurons roughly one to one.
Glia outnumber or equal neurons and have many roles. Astrocytes take up glutamate and potassium, supply lactate to neurons, control blood flow and form the glia limitans. Oligodendrocytes (CNS) each myelinate several axons, Schwann cells (PNS) one segment of one axon. Microglia derive from yolk sac progenitors and survey tissue, prune synapses and clear debris. Ependymal cells line ventricles, and radial glia guide migration and act as stem cells in development.
Glia are involved in disease: multiple sclerosis (autoimmune attack on myelin), Guillain-Barre syndrome (PNS myelin), gliomas (glial tumours, such as glioblastoma), and neurodegeneration. Astrocyte calcium waves may modulate synapses. Einstein's brain had more glia in an area, a famous but unproven correlation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glial Cells?
Support cells such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes that nourish, insulate and protect neurons.
Which area of biology covers Glial Cells, and how advanced is it?
Glial Cells is one of the 54 topics in Neuroscience. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Neuroinflammation, Neural Development, Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Why does Glial Cells matter?
The brain is not just neurons, and glia support nearly all aspects of function.
Can you give an example of Glial Cells?
Multiple sclerosis involves immune attack on CNS myelin.
What should I learn before Glial Cells?
Glial Cells is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Neuroscience that pair well with it include Nervous System, Neuron, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems.
What topics are related to Glial Cells?
The closest topics to Glial Cells are Neuroinflammation, Neural Development, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Glial Cells?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Glial Cells. To practise the whole of Neuroscience, use the Neuroscience quiz.
How is Glial Cells different from Neuroinflammation?
Glial Cells: Support cells such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes that nourish, insulate and protect neurons. Neuroinflammation: Activated microglia and astrocytes release cytokines that contribute to neurological disease. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Glial Cells step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Neuroinflammation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Neuroscience quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.