Glial Cells

Neuroglia of the brain shown by Golgi's method

Astrocytes can be visualized in culture because, unlike other mature glia, they express glial fibrillary acidic protein.

Glial cells, commonly called neuroglia or simply glia (Greek for "glue"), are non-neuronal cells that provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and participate in signal transmission in the nervous system. In the human brain, there is roughly one glia for every neuron with a ratio of about two neurons for every three glia in the cerebral gray matter.

The four main functions of glial cells are :

1. To surround neurons and hold them in place
2. To supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons
3. To insulate one neuron from another
4. To destroy pathogens and remove dead neurons