astrocyte

Thân thiện

A scientist observes an astrocyte under a microscope.

Definition

Noun: A comparatively large neuroglial cell. Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. They perform many essential functions, including providing structural support for neurons, regulating the chemical environment, and aiding in repair processes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The researcher studied the role of the astrocyte in forming the blood-brain barrier.
  • Damage to the brain often triggers a response from nearby astrocytes.

Advanced Usage

• Reactive astrogliosis: This term describes a change in astrocytes in response to injury, where they proliferate and undergo morphological changes.
  • The scar tissue was formed by a process of reactive astrogliosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Astrocytic (adj): Of or relating to astrocytes.
  • The astrocytic network is crucial for neuronal metabolism.
• Astrogliosis (n): An abnormal increase in the number of astrocytes due to the destruction of nearby neurons.

Synonyms

• Glial cell: A broader category of non-neuronal brain cells which includes astrocytes.
• Neuroglial cell: The formal term for supportive cells in the nervous system.

Related Terms and Concepts

• Blood-Brain Barrier: A selective barrier that protects the brain, to which astrocytes contribute by interacting with blood vessel cells.
• Synaptic Cleft: The gap between neurons where communication occurs; astrocytes help regulate the chemicals in this space.

Học thuật

Noun

1. comparatively large neuroglial cell