NEUROGLIA CELL Meaning and
Definition
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Neuroglia cells, also known as glial cells or simply glia, are a type of non-neuronal cells that form the supporting framework of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Derived from the Greek words "neuron" meaning nerve and "glia" meaning glue, these cells were historically believed to be a passive, glue-like substance that held neurons together. However, it is now recognized that neuroglia cells play essential roles in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the nervous system.
Neuroglia cells are more abundant than neurons in the brain and are crucial in various aspects of neural development and functioning. They are classified into several subtypes, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells, each having unique characteristics and functions.
Astrocytes, the most numerous type of glial cells, provide structural support to neurons, regulate the chemical environment around neurons, and participate in the formation of the blood-brain barrier. Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells produce and maintain myelin, a fatty substance that insulates neuronal axons, enabling efficient conduction of nerve impulses. Microglia act as the immune cells of the CNS, defending against infections and removing cellular debris. Ependymal cells line the cavities of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, contributing to the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
In summary, neuroglia cells have vital functions in maintaining the structural integrity, regulating the chemical environment, supporting neural development, and participating in immune responses within the nervous system.
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One of two types of cells, spider cells and mossy cells (q.v.) occurring in the neuroglia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEUROGLIA CELL
- neuroglial cell
- neuroglia cells
- beuroglia cell
- meuroglia cell
- jeuroglia cell
- heuroglia cell
- nwuroglia cell
- nsuroglia cell
- nduroglia cell
- nruroglia cell
- n4uroglia cell
- n3uroglia cell
- neyroglia cell
- nehroglia cell
- nejroglia cell
- neiroglia cell
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- neueoglia cell
- neudoglia cell
Etymology of NEUROGLIA CELL
The word "neuroglia" is derived from the Greek words "neuron" meaning "nerve" and "glia" meaning "glue" or "glue-like". The term was first coined by the German anatomist Rudolf Virchow in 1856 to describe a group of cells found in the nervous system that were not neurons. These cells were initially thought to have a supporting role, providing a structural framework and "gluing" the neurons together. Later research revealed that neuroglial cells have various crucial functions in the nervous system, including providing physical support, insulating neurons, and regulating the neuronal microenvironment. Contemporary understanding recognizes neuroglia as a complex and diverse group of cells that play multiple roles in nervous system function and health.
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