Neuroglial cells are like the helpers of our nervous system. They do amazing things when we get sick in ways that affect our brain and nerves. Let’s break down how they adapt when there are neurological diseases:
Reactive Gliosis: When there’s an injury, a special type of helper cell called astrocytes jumps into action. They become more active, multiply, and even create a scar. This scar helps protect the neurons (the main cells in the nervous system). However, if there’s too much scarring, it can make it harder for the neurons to heal.
Inflammatory Responses: Another type of helper cell, called microglia, acts like the immune system for the brain. When there is disease, these cells spring into action. They can clean up trash from damaged cells, but they can also release substances that can hurt the neurons even more.
Metabolic Support: Oligodendrocytes are another kind of neuroglial cell that helps keep neurons healthy. They provide energy in the form of lactate. When neurons are not doing well, these cells might change how they work to help neurons survive longer.
All of these adaptations show how neuroglial cells play a complicated role. They help keep our nervous system balanced, but sometimes, they can also help diseases get worse.
Neuroglial cells are like the helpers of our nervous system. They do amazing things when we get sick in ways that affect our brain and nerves. Let’s break down how they adapt when there are neurological diseases:
Reactive Gliosis: When there’s an injury, a special type of helper cell called astrocytes jumps into action. They become more active, multiply, and even create a scar. This scar helps protect the neurons (the main cells in the nervous system). However, if there’s too much scarring, it can make it harder for the neurons to heal.
Inflammatory Responses: Another type of helper cell, called microglia, acts like the immune system for the brain. When there is disease, these cells spring into action. They can clean up trash from damaged cells, but they can also release substances that can hurt the neurons even more.
Metabolic Support: Oligodendrocytes are another kind of neuroglial cell that helps keep neurons healthy. They provide energy in the form of lactate. When neurons are not doing well, these cells might change how they work to help neurons survive longer.
All of these adaptations show how neuroglial cells play a complicated role. They help keep our nervous system balanced, but sometimes, they can also help diseases get worse.