Cell
astrocyte
as·tro·cyte [ as-truh-sahyt ]
Subclass of:
Neuroglia
Etymology:
Greek astron = a star + kytos = a vessel or cell
These cells are of a shape to suggest stars.
These cells are of a shape to suggest stars.
Definitions related to astrocytes:
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A heterogeneous group of specialized neuroglial cells with many diverse supporting roles in the structure, function, and homeostasis of the central nervous system.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A large, star-shaped cell that holds nerve cells in place and helps them develop and work the way they should. An astrocyte is a type of glial cell.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Neuroglial CNS cells of ectodermal origin characterized by fibrous, protoplasmic, or plasmatofibrous processes.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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A class of large neuroglial (macroglial) cells in the central nervous system - the largest and most numerous neuroglial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytes (from "star" cells) are irregularly shaped with many long processes, including those with "end feet" which form the glial (limiting) membrane and directly and indirectly contribute to the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical environment, and "reactive astrocytes" (along with MICROGLIA) respond to injury.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Astrocyte, star-shaped cell that is a type of neuroglia found in the nervous system in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Astrocytes can be subdivided into fibrous and protoplasmic types. Fibrous astrocytes are prevalent among myelinated nerve fibres in the white matter of the central nervous...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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