Neuroglial Cells types and Functions.
What
are glial cells?
Glial
cells or glial cells or neuroglia, are cell which are non-neuronal and are situated
within the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Glia
means “neural glue” were thought to be involved in providing just structural support.
Recent studies revealed that these non-neuronal cells play a major role in proper
functioning of the brain.
Difference
between Neuron and glial cells
Glial
cells are present in both central nervous system (CNS) and Peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Glial cells in central
nervous system (CNS)
Astrocytes
(Astroglia): star-shaped
cells that maintains neurons working environment
Functions
- providing nutrients to the neurons
- control the blood flow in the brain; act as vaso-modulators.
- controlling the levels of neurotransmitter around synapses
- controlling the concentrations of ions like potassium
- formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier
- axon synchronization
- providing metabolic and structural support
Oligodendrocytes
mean "cells with several branches."
Function:
- Provide protective insulation (myelin sheath) to neurons in the central nervous system.
- Support the axons of neurons for faster information transfer in the CNS, mainly those that travel long distances within the brain.
Microglia
Microglia
are small glial cells that acts as brain’s immune cells.
Function:
- They act as the brain's own dedicated immune system
- Remove dead neurons and pathogens by phagocytosis
- Protects brains against injury and disease
- Involved in synaptic ‘pruning’ process by eating up tagged unwanted synapses
Ependymal
cells
Cells
that forms the ependyma, the thin membrane lining of the spinal cord and
ventricles of the brain.
Function:
- line the spinal cord and ventricles of the brain.
- involved in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier
Radial
glia:
Radial
glial cells are progenitor cells or a type of stem cell that can generate
neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Glial cells in Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Schwann cells: Cells that myelinate neuron in the peripheral nervous system, similar to oligodendrocytes in CNS.
Satellite
cells: Cells that surround neurons in the
sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia.
Function
- Helps to regulate the chemical environment.
- Cells may contribute to chronic pain.
- detect and respond to injury and inflammation.
- Helps to transport several neurotransmitters
