gliaalisille

Gliaalisille, also known as glial cells, are non-neuronal cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems that provide support and protection for neurons. While neurons are often referred to as the primary functional units of the brain and nervous system, glia make up roughly half of the nervous system’s total cell count and play critical roles in maintaining neural health and function.

There are several types of glial cells, each with distinct functions. In the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia are the primary types. Astrocytes help regulate the chemical environment around neurons, support blood-brain barrier integrity, and contribute to synaptic function. Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers, enabling faster electrical signal transmission. Microglia act as immune cells, responding to injury, infection, or disease by removing debris and modulating inflammation.

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Schwann cells perform a similar role to oligodendrocytes by myelinating axons, while satellite cells surround neuron cell bodies, providing structural and metabolic support. Research over the past few decades has expanded the understanding of glia beyond mere support cells, revealing their active involvement in neural signaling, synaptic plasticity, and even cognitive processes.

Dysfunction or damage to glial cells has been linked to various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (where oligodendrocytes are affected), Alzheimer’s disease (involving microglial activation), and epilepsy (where astrocytes may contribute to abnormal neural activity). Advances in neuroscience continue to highlight the importance of glia in both health and disease, prompting further investigation into their therapeutic potential.