What is the difference between microglia and Macroglia?
Microglia are immune cells in the central nervous system which act as macrophages and protect the brain from injuries and diseases. Macroglia are supportive cells which mainly provide nutrient support, maintain brain metabolism and homeostasis, and produce myelin sheath around axons.
Is an astrocyte a microglial cell?
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial subtype in the CNS, and similar to microglia, play a crucial role in the regulation of neuroinflammation [68]. Also referred to as astroglia, astrocytes exhibit a star-shaped morphology with cellular processes extending from the soma [69].
What is astroglial?
Astrocyte, star-shaped cell that is a type of neuroglia found in the nervous system in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Astrocytes can be subdivided into fibrous and protoplasmic types. Fibrous astrocytes are prevalent among myelinated nerve fibres in the white matter of the central nervous system.
What are the 3 types of glia and where are they found?
There are three types of glial cells in the mature central nervous system: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells (Figure 1.4A—C). Astrocytes, which are restricted to the brain and spinal cord, have elaborate local processes that give these cells a starlike appearance (hence the prefix “astro”).
What would be the consequences of lacking astrocytes and microglial cells?
Due to their important instructive roles in these processes, dysfunction of microglia or astrocytes during brain development could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and potentially even late-onset neuropathology.
Why is it called astrocyte?
Astrocytes get their name because they are “star-shaped”. They are the most abundant glial cells in the brain that are closely associated with neuronal synapses. Astrocytes in vitro become activated by low glucose and are in vivo this activation increases gastric emptying to increase digestion.
What is the purpose of microglial cells?
Microglia cells are the immune cells of the central nervous system and consequently play important roles in brain infections and inflammation. Recent in vivo imaging studies have revealed that in the resting healthy brain, microglia are highly dynamic, moving constantly to actively survey the brain parenchyma.
What type of cell is the target of multiple sclerosis?
In multiple sclerosis, immune cells target a certain cell type called oligodendrocytes, which are only located in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Oligodendrocytes are special types of neurons (or brain cells), which produce something called myelin.