ASTROGLIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Astroglia, also known as astrocytes, are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. They are star-shaped cells that play vital roles in supporting and regulating the functions of neurons.
Astroglia make up a significant portion of the glial cells in the brain and spinal cord, accounting for about 20-40% of all glia in the CNS. They are crucial for the formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier, a protective barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. Astroglia also provide structural support to neurons and help to maintain the overall integrity and stability of the CNS.
These glial cells participate in various important physiological processes. They are involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter levels, helping to ensure the proper functioning of synaptic transmission and maintaining the balance of chemicals necessary for neuronal communication. Astroglia are also important for energy metabolism in the CNS, as they help to supply nutrients and energy substrates to neighboring cells.
Furthermore, astroglia play a role in the immune response of the brain, as they are capable of detecting and responding to injury or infection. They can release cytokines and other signaling molecules to promote the recruitment and activation of immune cells in the CNS.
Overall, astroglia are indispensable for the normal functioning of the CNS, contributing to neuronal health and communication, energy metabolism, and immune responses in the brain and spinal cord.
Common Misspellings for ASTROGLIA
- zstroglia
- sstroglia
- wstroglia
- qstroglia
- aatroglia
- aztroglia
- axtroglia
- adtroglia
- aetroglia
- awtroglia
- asrroglia
- asfroglia
- asgroglia
- asyroglia
- as6roglia
- as5roglia
- asteoglia
- astdoglia
- astfoglia
- astrogliia
Etymology of ASTROGLIA
The word "astroglia" is derived from two Greek words: "astron" meaning "star" and "glia" meaning "glue" or "a sticky substance". The term was coined by Rudolf Virchow, a German physician and pathologist, in the mid-19th century. He named the cells "astroglia" due to their star-shaped appearance and their function in supporting and providing structural framework for the nervous tissue in the brain and spinal cord.
Similar spelling words for ASTROGLIA
- astragalar,
- asteroidea,
- astrantia,
- astronaut,
- astrologer,
- astrolabe,
- astropogon,
- astrological,
- astrologist,
- astral,
- astroloma,
- astronautic,
- astrogator,
- astrology,
- asteroidal,
- astronium,
- astragal,
- austronesia,
- astragalus,
- astrogate,
- astrolatry.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
