glia

(noun)

Non-neuronal cells that maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons in the brain and in other parts of the nervous system.

Related Terms

(noun)

Non-neuronal cells that maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons in the brain, and for neurons in other parts of the nervous system such as in the autonomic nervous system.

Related Terms

Examples of glia in the following topics:

  • Glia

    • The seven types of glia have specific functions that play a role in supporting neuron function.
    • When glia do not function properly, the result can be disastrous; most brain tumors are caused by mutations in glia.
    • There are several different types of glia with different functions .
    • Satellite glia provide nutrients and structural support for neurons in the PNS.
    • Describe the specific roles that the seven types of glia play in the nervous systems

  • Neuroglia of the Peripheral Nervous System

    • The two kinds of glia cells in the PNS, schwann cells and satellite cells, each have unique functions.
    • Satellite cells are small glia that surround neurons' sensory ganglia in the ANS.
    • PNS satellite glia are very sensitive to injury and may exacerbate pathological pain.

  • Neuroglia of the Central Nervous System

    • Glia (named from the Greek for "glue") helps in supporting and scaffolding neurons, while performing  many unique functions.
    • In the human brain, it is estimated that the total number of glia roughly equals the number of neurons, although the proportions vary in different brain areas.

  • Neurons and Glial Cells

    • Neurons and glia coordinate actions and transmit signals in the CNS and PNS.
    • The nervous system is made up of neurons, specialized cells that can receive and transmit chemical or electrical signals, and glia, cells that provide support functions for the neurons by playing an information processing role that is complementary to neurons.
    • Glia can be compared to the workers at the electric company who make sure wires go to the right places, maintain the wires, and take down wires that are broken.

  • Olfactory (I) Nerve

    • Olfactory-ensheathing glia wrap bundles of these axons and are thought to facilitate their passage into the central nervous system.

  • Regeneration of Nerve Fibers

    • Such mechanisms may include generation of new neurons, glia, axons, myelin, or synapses.
    • In the CNS, synaptic stripping occurs as glia foot processes invade the dead synapse.
    • Glial scars rapidly form and the glia actually produce factors that inhibit remyelination and axon repair.

  • Development of the Peripheral Nervous System

    • Neural crest cells are a transient, multipotent, migratory cell population unique to vertebrates that gives rise to a diverse cell lineage including melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage and bone, smooth muscle, peripheral and enteric neurons and glia.

  • Organization of the Nervous System

    • Along with neurons, the nervous system relies on the function of other specialized cells called glial cells, or glia, that provide structural and metabolic support to the nervous system.

  • Capacity of Different Tissues for Repair

    • Glial scars rapidly form, and the glia actually produce factors that inhibit remyelination and axon repair.
    • Astrocytes can be identified in culture because, unlike other mature glia, they express glial fibrillary acidic protein.

  • White Matter of the Cerebrum

    • White matter is composed of myelinated axons and glia and connects distinct areas of the cortex.