glia
Glia are specialized NON-NEURONAL CELLS of the NERVOUS SYSTEM that provide structural support, protection, nutrition, and functional regulation for NEURONS in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM and PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Glia, also called NEUROGLIA, are supportive CELLS that maintain the proper functioning of the NERVOUS SYSTEM by assisting NEURONS without directly generating electrical impulses. They perform essential functions including maintaining HOMEOSTASIS, forming MYELIN SHEATHS, providing metabolic support, regulating SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION, and participating in IMMUNE RESPONSES within nervous tissue. Glial cells are classified into MACROGLIA, which include ASTROCYTES, OLIGODENDROCYTES, EPENDYMAL CELLS, and MICROGLIA, which act as the resident immune cells of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. In the PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, glial cells include SCHWANN CELLS and SATELLITE CELLS.
Glia are support cells of the nervous system that protect, nourish, and help nerve cells work properly.
• Glia are supporting cells of the nervous system. • They work together with neurons but do not transmit nerve signals like neurons. • They help provide support, protection, nutrition, and repair. • They help maintain the environment around nerve cells. • Some glial cells produce the myelin covering around nerves. • Major types include: - Macroglia: structural and supportive glial cells. - Microglia: immune defense cells of the brain and spinal cord. • Glia are essential for normal brain and nerve function.
glia