Glialtisista

Glialtisista are a diverse group of non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide structural and metabolic support to neurons. They help maintain the extracellular environment, regulate ion and neurotransmitter balance, modulate synaptic activity, and participate in the brain and spinal cord’s responses to injury and disease.

In the central nervous system (CNS), the major glial subtypes are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Astrocytes maintain homeostasis, contribute to the blood–brain barrier, and support neuronal metabolism. Oligodendrocytes and their precursors insulate axons with myelin, increasing conduction velocity. Microglia act as resident immune cells, clearing debris and responding to inflammation. Ependymal cells line the ventricles and contribute to cerebrospinal fluid production and circulation.

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nerves and support axon survival, while satellite glial cells surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia and regulate the extracellular milieu.

Glialtisista originate from neural progenitor cells in the CNS, and microglia derive from yolk sac macrophages. Their development and function are influenced by signaling pathways and neuronal activity. Glialtisista dysfunction or abnormal glial activation is linked to neurological diseases, including gliomas (tumors arising from glial cells), demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and various neuroinflammatory conditions.

Researchers study glialtisista with immunohistochemical markers (for example, GFAP for astrocytes, Iba1 for microglia, MBP for myelin), electrophysiology, and imaging techniques to understand their roles in health and disease.