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Glite Dictionary
astroglia

astroglia

9.9
Star-shaped cells in the brain and spinal cord that help nerve cells
  • noun
  • /ˌæstroʊˈɡliːə/
  • Specialized
: astroglía
  • Researchers have discovered new roles for astroglia in regulating synaptic activity.

Examples

  • The development of astroglia is crucial for maintaining the health of the central nervous system.

  • Damage to the astroglia can impact brain function and neural repair.

  • The astroglia plays a critical role in supporting neurons.

  • Researchers are studying the functions of astroglia in the brain.

  • Damage to the astroglia can impact brain function and neural repair.

  • Researchers have discovered new roles for astroglia in regulating synaptic activity.

  • The development of astroglia is crucial for maintaining the health of the central nervous system.

Synonyms

glia
vsastroglia
  • Specialized
2 9.4

Cells in the brain that support and protect nerve cells

is a tissue formed mainly of star-shaped supporting cells
neuroglia
vsastroglia
  • Specialized
1 9.8

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

is a tissue made mainly of star-shaped supporting cells

Surface Forms

astroglia singular
astroglia plural

Morphology

astroglia = glia (semi-transparent) = astro + glia

The word is built from the combining form astro- plus glia, but the specialized biological reference is not fully predictable for non-specialists.

Etymology

Astroglia comes from Greek parts meaning 'star' (astro-) and 'glue' (glia). These are star-shaped helper cells that hold and support brain and nerve cells, so the name is an easy way to remember they are the 'star glue' of the nervous system.