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Introduction to Glial Cells for Non-Specialists

Difficulty level
Beginner
Type
Duration
40:32

This lecture gives an introduction to the types of glial cells, homeostasis (influence of cerebral blood flow and influence on neurons), insulation and protection of axons (myelin sheath; nodes of Ranvier), microglia and reactions of the CNS to injury.

Topics covered in this lesson
  • The multiple supporting functions of glial cells
  • Ependymal cells and their functions
  • Astrocytes and their functions
  • Fibrous astrocytes
  • Microglia
  • Astrocytes in the metabolism of neurotransmitters
  • Oligodendrocytes and myelination
  • Schwann cells and myelination in the periferal nervous system