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What is Neuroglia?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Neuroglia is the collective term for glial cells, specialized cells that protect and regulate the functioning of neural cells in the brain. In addition to promoting electrical communication between nerve synapses, some of these cells physically protect neural cells by surrounding them to form an insulating barrier. Other cells of this type are involved in the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients, while still others play a role in targeting and eliminating invading pathogens. The name “glial” is taken from the Greek word glia, which literally means “glue,” indicating their significant contribution in the performance of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

There are six distinct types of neuroglia cells, four of which reside in the central nervous system. Oligodendrocytes surround and protect neural cells by forming a barrier known as the myelin sheath. Ependymal cells are active in the lining of the network of fluid-filled ventricular cavities found in the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytes regulate the exchange of nutrients between blood vessels and neural cells, while microglia scavenge and destroy cellular pathogens and other debris.

Brain size determines the number of cerebral neuroglia.
Brain size determines the number of cerebral neuroglia.

In the peripheral nervous system, neurolemmocytes perform the same duty as oligodendrocytes in terms of forming the protective myelin sheath surrounding neurons. These neuroglia cells are also known as Schwann cells, and are capable of initiating the repair or regrowth of neural axons and dentrites that have become damaged due to trauma or injury. Lastly, satellite neuroglia cells inhabit the ganglion tissue that envelop and support neural cells.

Oligodendrocytes protect neural cells by forming a barrier known as the myelin sheath.
Oligodendrocytes protect neural cells by forming a barrier known as the myelin sheath.

Collectively, neuroglia regulate a variety of biological processes to ensure that certain conditions remain balanced and constant in the body, a state known as homeostasis. For instance, some glial cells focus on regulating certain internal conditions in order to maintain proper functioning in response to changing external environmental conditions, such as temperature. These cells also assist in the regulation and metabolism of glucose, insulin, and other pancreatic enzymes. A unique characteristic of neuroglia cells is that they are capable of cellular division after reaching maturity, while the majority of neural cells lose this ability at some point in their development.

Our bodies contain trillions of synapse "data" connections, many of which are constantly active.
Our bodies contain trillions of synapse "data" connections, many of which are constantly active.

While the total number of glial cells in the human brain closely equals the number of neurons, they outnumber neurons in some parts of the brain by up to 50 times. Brain size also determines the number of cerebral neuroglia. Therefore, different species of animals contain varying concentrations of glial cells. The brain of a fruit fly, for example, is composed of 24 percent glia, compared to 90 percent in a human and 97 percent in an elephant.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

laughlion56

Neurons or neuronal cells are cells in the brain, nerves and spinal chord that communication through electricity and chemical reactions. They are like other cells in the body but they also have dendrites and axons, communicate through an electrochemical process and have synapses and neurotransmitters.

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    • Brain size determines the number of cerebral neuroglia.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      Brain size determines the number of cerebral neuroglia.
    • Oligodendrocytes protect neural cells by forming a barrier known as the myelin sheath.
      By: blueringmedia
      Oligodendrocytes protect neural cells by forming a barrier known as the myelin sheath.
    • Our bodies contain trillions of synapse "data" connections, many of which are constantly active.
      By: rolffimages
      Our bodies contain trillions of synapse "data" connections, many of which are constantly active.