Astrocytes (from Ancient Greek ἄστρον, ástron, "star" and κύτος, kútos, "cavity", "cell"), also known collectively as astroglia, are characteristic star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Astrocyte, star-shaped cell that is a type of neuroglia found in the nervous system in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Astrocytes can be subdivided into fibrous and protoplasmic types. Learn more about astrocytes, including their structure and function.

2023年10月12日 · Astrocytes are the most abundant type of glial cell in the brain and are diverse in their ability to offer several protective functions to the central nervous system. The arrangement of astrocytes is related to the chemical and physical interactions with other brain cells.

2024年12月5日 · Astrocytes, also known collectively as astroglia, are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system (CNS). The name "astrocyte" derives from the Greek words "astro" (meaning star) and "cyte" (meaning cell), a reference to their star-like shape.

2024年5月10日 · Astrocytes are star-shaped cells found in the brain and spinal cord that play crucial roles in supporting and nourishing neurons. They help regulate the chemical environment of the brain, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and provide structural support to neurons.

Astrocytes (star cells) have radially arranged processes. Their cytoplasm contains intermediate filaments composed of a distinct protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), encoded by a gene on 17q21. GFAP is also found in nonmyelinating Schwann cells and glial cells of the enteric nervous system.

Astrocytes do many things. They help the endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier, provide nutrients to the nervous tissue, keep extracellular ions in balance. They also help repair the brain and spinal cord after traumatic injuries. Research since the mid-1990s has shown that astrocytes release Ca 2+ ions, and adjust brain functions. [3] .

Astrocytes are a population of cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain. Postnatally, astrocyte progenitors migrate to reach their brain area and related properties.

2016年5月13日 · Astrocytes or astroglia are the largest and most numerous types of glial cells (see below) in the Central Nervous System (CNS). There are various subtypes of astrocytes within the different regions of the brain that show a heterogeneity of shape and function.

2020年3月9日 · Astrocytes guide the movement of axons and neuroblasts as they develop and release thrombospondin, a glycoprotein, for proper synaptic formation and functioning. Astrocytes also produce...