Neuroglia, also known as the glial cells, are the non-neuronal cells of the central nervous system (CNS). These cells are essential for proper brain and spinal cord functioning. They assist in the formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier, provide structural support to neurons, and help regulate the ionic balance of the extracellular space (Kawano, 2016). Neuroglia also have an important role in the development and maturation of the CNS, and they are involved in the maintenance and repair of neuronal tissue after injury (Kawano, 2016).
Neuroglia are divided into two main categories: macroglia and microglia. Macroglia include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. Astrocytes are star-shaped glia that are involved in neuron-glial interactions. They serve a variety of functions such as providing structural support, maintaining the blood-brain barrier, and modulating synaptic transmission (Kawano, 2016). Oligodendrocytes are responsible for the formation and maintenance of myelin sheaths, which are necessary for the rapid transmission of action potentials. Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, and they are involved in the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid (Kawano, 2016).
Microglia are the most abundant glia in the CNS and are responsible for immune surveillance and tissue repair. They are the only glial cells that can migrate and are essential for maintaining the integrity of the CNS by removing pathogens and cellular debris (Kawano, 2016).
Neuroglia are essential for proper brain and spinal cord functioning and are involved in numerous processes such as structural support, ionic balance, immune surveillance, and tissue repair. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on understanding the role of neuroglia in neurological diseases and disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of neuroglia in the CNS.
References
Kawano, T. (2016). Neuroglial cells: Structure, functions, and roles in neurological diseases. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 10, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2016.00135