Neuroglia, also known as glial cells, are very important for keeping our nervous system healthy.
In fact, there are about 10 glial cells for every neuron, which means that glial cells make up about 90% of the cells in our brain!
There are four main types of neuroglia:
Astrocytes: These cells give support to neurons, help control blood flow, and keep the blood-brain barrier safe. They also help recycle neurotransmitters, especially glutamate, which is a key player in sending signals in our brain.
Oligodendrocytes: These cells are in charge of making myelin in the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is a protective layer that wraps around nerve fibers and helps signals travel faster—up to 120 meters per second!
Microglia: These cells work like immune fighters in the CNS. They make up about 10-15% of all glial cells. Microglia are crucial for a process called synaptic pruning, which helps our brains learn and adapt.
Ependymal cells: These cells line the cavities in the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which helps keep everything in the nervous system balanced.
In short, neuroglia don’t just support neurons; they also make our nervous system work better. They are involved in sending signals, protecting our brain, and managing fluids. When neuroglia don't work properly, it can lead to different brain disorders. This shows just how important these cells are for our brain health!
Neuroglia, also known as glial cells, are very important for keeping our nervous system healthy.
In fact, there are about 10 glial cells for every neuron, which means that glial cells make up about 90% of the cells in our brain!
There are four main types of neuroglia:
Astrocytes: These cells give support to neurons, help control blood flow, and keep the blood-brain barrier safe. They also help recycle neurotransmitters, especially glutamate, which is a key player in sending signals in our brain.
Oligodendrocytes: These cells are in charge of making myelin in the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is a protective layer that wraps around nerve fibers and helps signals travel faster—up to 120 meters per second!
Microglia: These cells work like immune fighters in the CNS. They make up about 10-15% of all glial cells. Microglia are crucial for a process called synaptic pruning, which helps our brains learn and adapt.
Ependymal cells: These cells line the cavities in the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which helps keep everything in the nervous system balanced.
In short, neuroglia don’t just support neurons; they also make our nervous system work better. They are involved in sending signals, protecting our brain, and managing fluids. When neuroglia don't work properly, it can lead to different brain disorders. This shows just how important these cells are for our brain health!