This hub page provides navigation to all glial cell types in the NeuroWiki knowledge base. Glial cells (from Greek γλοία meaning "glue") are non-neuronal cells that constitute approximately half of all brain cells. Far from passive support cells, glia actively regulate synaptic transmission, maintain homeostasis, provide metabolic support, myelinate axons, and mediate immune responses. Dysfunctional glia are increasingly recognized as central players in neurodegenerative diseases.
This hub page provides navigation to all glial cell types in the NeuroWiki knowledge base. Glial cells (from Greek γλοία meaning "glue") are non-neuronal cells that constitute approximately half of all brain cells. Far from passive support cells, glia actively regulate synaptic transmission, maintain homeostasis, provide metabolic support, myelinate axons, and mediate immune responses. Dysfunctional glia are increasingly recognized as central players in neurodegenerative diseases.
Glial Cell Types Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
CNS Glial Cell Types
Astrocytes
[Astrocytes](/cell-types/astrocytes) Main page
Protoplasmic Astrocytes — Gray matter astrocytes
Fibrous Astrocytes — White matter astrocytes
Bergmann Glia — Cerebellar specialized astrocytes
Radial Glia — Neural stem cells during development
Tanycytes — Hypothalamic radial glia-like cells
Müller Glia — Retinal glial cells
Key functions: [@danbolt2001]: Glutamate homeostasis — GLT-1 and GLAST transporters clear synaptic glutamate [@pellerin2012]: Metabolic support — Lactate shuttle provides energy to neurons via MCT1/4 [@araque1999]: Synaptic regulation — Tripartite synapse modulates transmission [@abbott2006]: Blood-brain barrier — Endfeet surround cerebral vasculature [@liddelow2017]: Reactive phenotypes — A1 (neurotoxic) vs A2 (neuroprotective) i
[Microglia](/cell-types/microglia)Microglia
[Microglia](/cell-types/microglia) Main page
Border-Associated Macrophages — Perivascular and meningeal macrophages
Diseased-Associated Microglia — DAM phenotype in neurodegeneration
Key functions: [@baumann2001]: Myelination — Each cell myelinates multiple axon segments [@fnfschilling2012]: Metabolic support — Lactate transfer via MCT1 to axons [@franklin2008]: Remyelination — Limited capacity for repair after injury
Ependymal Cells
Ependymal Cells — Lining of ventricles
Choroid Plexus Epithelium — CSF production
Key functions: CSF production, barrier function, waste clearance via glymphatic system
PNS Glial Cell Types
Schwann Cells
Schwann Cells — Main page
Myelinating Schwann Cells — Saltatory conduction
Non-myelinating Schwann Cells — Remak bundles
Key functions: [@bunge1994]: Myelination — One cell, one axon segment [@chen2007]: Nerve regeneration — Guide regrowing axons via Bands of Büngner [@li2013]: Myelin proteins — PMP22, MPZ/P0, MBP in myelin structure