Glial cells, collectively termed neuroglia, are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system that vastly outnumber neurons and provide the structural, metabolic, and signalling support on which neural function depends. In the central nervous system the principal types are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia;…
Glial cells, collectively termed neuroglia, are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system that vastly outnumber neurons and provide the structural, metabolic, and signalling support on which neural function depends. In the central nervous system the principal types are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia; in the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells and satellite cells perform analogous roles. Astrocytes regulate the extracellular ionic and neurotransmitter environment, contribute to the blood-brain barrier, and participate in neurovascular coupling, the matching of local blood flow to neuronal activity. Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells generate the myelin sheaths that enable rapid, saltatory conduction, and their development is governed by signalling cascades such as the Wnt pathway. Microglia act as the resident immune cells, surveying tissue and responding to injury and infection. Specialised glia, including retinal Müller cells, support sensory neurons and respond to trophic factors such as ciliary neurotrophic factor. Dysfunction of glia underlies demyelinating disease, neuroinflammation, and the pathology seen in conditions ranging from leukoencephalopathy to neurovascular disorders. Research published in this area examines glial signalling pathways, oligodendrocyte differentiation, astrocyte-mediated control of cerebral blood flow, and glial responses in retinal and central nervous system tissue, reflecting the field's emphasis on glia as active participants in both health and disease.
12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 12 articles above have been cited 97 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
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