Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems that provide support and protection for neurons, playing crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis, forming myelin, and participating in signal transmission. They are essential for brain function, influencing synaptic activity, and are involved in neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and the response to injury and disease.

Glial Cells

Glial cells

non-neuronal cells

The central nervous system (CNS) is the primary control center for the body, consisting of the brain and spinal cord, and it processes and coordinates sensory information and responses. It plays a crucial role in regulating bodily functions, cognition, and behavior, making it essential for survival and adaptation to the environment.

Central Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the central nervous system (CNS) to the limbs and organs, serving as a communication relay between the brain/spinal cord and the rest of the body. It is crucial for voluntary and involuntary actions, encompassing sensory and motor neurons that facilitate sensation, movement, and autonomic functions.

Peripheral Nervous System

support and protection for neurons

maintaining homeostasis

forming myelin

Signal transmission refers to the process by which information is conveyed from one place to another, typically using electromagnetic waves or electrical impulses. It is fundamental to communication systems, enabling data exchange over distances in various forms such as analog, digital, and optical signals.

signal transmission

Brain function encompasses the intricate processes by which the brain interprets, processes, and responds to information, ultimately governing behavior, cognition, and emotion. It involves complex interactions between neurons, neurotransmitters, and various brain regions, each contributing to the regulation of bodily functions and mental activities.

brain function

synaptic activity

Neurodevelopment refers to the process by which the nervous system, including the brain, develops from embryonic stages through adulthood, involving complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. It is crucial for understanding normal brain function as well as the basis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia.

neurodevelopment

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, allowing it to adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and recover from injuries. This dynamic process underscores the brain's capacity for change and adaptation, challenging the long-held belief that brain development is static after a certain age.

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