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macroglia

macroglia

9.9
Large cells that support the nervous system, like astrocytes and oligodendrocytes
  • noun
  • /ˌmækroʊˈɡliːə/
  • Specialized
: macroglía
  • Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are types of macroglia present in the central nervous system.

Examples

  • Researchers found that macroglia play a key role in maintaining the health of neural tissues.

  • Damage to macroglia has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases.

  • The macroglia play a crucial role in supporting neurons.

  • Can you explain the function of macroglia in the brain?

  • Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are types of macroglia found in the central nervous system, providing essential support for neurons.

  • Damage to macroglia, such as astrocytes, can lead to serious conditions, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

  • Researchers discovered that macroglia play an important role in the repair and maintenance of neural tissues after injury.

Synonyms

glia
vsmacroglia
  • Specialized
2 9.4

Cells in the brain that support and protect nerve cells

is a subgroup made of the larger supporting cell types
neuroglia
vsmacroglia
  • Specialized
1 9.8

Cells in the brain and spinal cord that support and protect nerve cells

is the set of larger supporting cells rather than the whole tissue
neuroglial cell
vsmacroglia
  • Specialized
7.7

A cell in the nervous system that supports and protects nerve cells

is a larger kind of supporting unit distinct from the smaller immune type

How Large

macroglia
  • Specialized
9.9
microglia
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Surface Forms

macroglia singular
macroglia plural

Morphology

macroglia = glia (semi-transparent) = macro + glia

The word is formed straightforwardly from the prefix macro- plus glia, but it is a specialized scientific term rather than a fully everyday composition.

Etymology

Macroglia comes from macro- meaning 'large' and glia meaning 'glue', a name that helps you picture these as the big 'glue' of the brain. That's why macroglia refers to the larger support cells, like astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, that help keep neurons healthy.