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NEUROGLIA

The Other Half of the Brain

SOME INTERESTING FACTS


Neurons cannot function properly without glial cells. Comprise half the total volume of brain and spinal cord- Outnumber neurons by 5-10 times. Einsteins brain had more number of glial cells especially in the association cortex. Glia can undergo mitosis. Play roles in learning Glial communicate among themselves and neurons Associated with various neurological disorders.

GLIAL CELLS
Non neuronal cells that make up most of cells in brain

First described by pathologist Rudolf Virchow in 1856


Smaller than neurons Origin-embryonic neuro-ectoderm Earlier considered just as supporting cells New studies reveal bigger roles in formation operation and adaptation of neural circuitry.

% OF GLIA
BRAIN TYPE % GLIA NEMATODE VERY FEW

DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

25

MOUSE

65

HUMAN

90

ELEPHANT

97

RATIOS

FUNCTIONS
1. Support neurons-provide brain structure

2. Insulate nerve cell action-myelin formation


3. Removes debris on neuronal death

4. Improve efficiency of signalling-synapse properties


5. Brain development-radial glia 6. Forms BBB-prevents toxic substances 7. Nourish nerve cells 8. Learning and information processing

S Y S T E M

C O M P O N E N T S

Astrocytes Oligodendrocytes Ependymal cells Macroglia Glia Radial Glia

Microglia

Schwann
Satellite Enteric glial cells

MICROGLIA
Smallest neuroglia Found throughout CNS Migrated from blood. Functions
Activates in inflammatory condition Acts like macrophages in brain

ASTROCYTES
Star shaped cell bodies with branches in all directions. Functions
Physical support Clear neural debris Nourishment of neurons

OLIGODENDROCYTES
Cell bodies with very few delicate process Found in rows along myelinated nerves Functions
Form myelin sheath Insulation of neurons Efficient conduction of action potential.

EPENDYMAL
Form single layer of cuboidal or columnar cells Functions
Circulation of CSF within cavities of brain Absorptive and transport function-hormone control Production and secretion of CSF

SCHWANN
Supporting Cells in PNS Function
Myelin formation in PNS Clean PNS debris Regrowth of pNS axons

REFERENCES
Clinical neuroanatomy by Richard S Snell Principles of Neural Science by E R Kandel, J H Schwartz, T M Jessel

Fundamental Neuroscience by Squire, et al.


Glia more than just brain glue by Nicola J. Allen and Ben A. Barres,Neuroscience,2009 Neuroscience. 2nd edition. By Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al.

THANK YOU
Presented By VARSHA V Phd Student IDP-Bioengineering

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