3.3 Neuroglia
Neuroglia does not specialize in transmitting impulses. Instead, they are special types of connective tissue cells. Their name is appropriate because it is derived from Greek word glia meaning “glue.”
The primary cell of nervous tissue is the neuron. It is responsible for sensing information, integrating and processing, and issuing motor commands. Neurons are supported by cells known as glial cells.
There are 4 glial cell types in the CNS:
- Astrocytes
- Ependymal cells
- Microglia
- Oligodendrocytes
There are 2 glial cell types in the PNS:
- Neurolemmocytes (Schwann cells)
- Satellite cells
| Cell Type | Description | Function |
| Astrocytes | Highly branched | Provide structural support; regulate neuronal signaling; contribute to blood-brain barrier; help with neural tissue repair |
| Ependymal cells | Epithelial-like | Line ventricles of brain and central canal of the spinal cord, circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); some form choroid plexuses, which produce CSF |
| Microglia | Small, mobile cells | Protect CNS from infection; become phagocytic in response to inflammation |
| Oligodendrocytes | Cells with processes that can surround several axons | Cell processes form myelin sheaths around axons or enclose unmyelinated axons in the CNS |
| Schwann cells | Single cells surrounding axons | Form myelin sheaths around axons or enclose unmyelinated axons in the PNS |
| Satellite cells | Surround the cell bodies of neurons | Help maintain the PNS ISF. |
Figure 4- Types of Neuroglial Cells
| Explanation is available on
Neuroglial Cells |
“Bhushan Science”
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