astrocytic
1
9.9
- adjective
- /ˌæstroʊˈsaɪtɪk/
- Specialized
- These data suggest an autoregulatory mechanism whereby intravascular pressure, and possibly tissue pressure, would directly modulate resting neural activity via astrocytic mechanosensors.
Examples
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The study highlighted how astrocytic cells play a vital role in supporting neuronal health in the brain.
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This type of astrocytic degeneration has been reported in both children and adults; there is no predilection to either sex.
Academic text (2009) -
These findings are related to neuronal and astrocytic hypertrophy (figures 1 and 2).
Academic text (2009) -
This is a picture of an astrocyte and you see the astrocytic MP abutting the PIA here.
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Taken together, these findings support the concept that astrocytic signals may be a critical link between neural activity and the microvasculature, at least in certain segments of the cerebrovascular network.
Academic text (2017) -
Scientists are exploring the impact of astrocytic activity on neural communication and brain function.
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Research shows that astrocytic dysfunction can contribute to various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Synonyms
2
9.1
Relating to the cells that support nerves in the brain and body
Relating to the cells that support and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord
Surface Forms
Morphology
astrocytic = astrocyte (semi-transparent) = astro + cyte + ic
The adjective is a regular and recognizable formation from the technical noun 'astrocyte' plus '-ic', but the base word itself is specialized medical vocabulary.
Etymology
Astrocytic comes from astro- meaning 'star' and -cyte meaning 'cell', the same astro- you see in astronomy. So, astrocytic means 'relating to star-shaped cells', which fits the star-shaped support cells found in the brain.