(glia) Non-neuronal cells of the nervous system; they provide physical support, respond to injury, regulate the ionic and chemical composition of the extracellular milieu, form the myelin insulation of nervous pathways, guide neuronal migration during development, and exchange metabolites with neurons.

Any of the cells that hold nerve cells in place and help them work the way they should. The types of neuroglia include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells.

The non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. They not only provide physical support, but also respond to injury, regulate the ionic and chemical composition of the extracellular milieu, participate in the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and BLOOD-RETINAL BARRIER, form the myelin insulation of nervous pathways, guide neuronal migration during development, and exchange metabolites with neurons. Neuroglia have high-affinity transmitter uptake systems, voltage-dependent and transmitter-gated ion channels, and can release transmitters, but their role in signaling (as in many other functions) is unclear.

(glial cell) A non-neuronal cell of the nervous system. Glial cells have diverse roles, including in regulation of neuronal survival and differentiation, maintenance of ion and neurotransmitter concentrations in the neuronal environment, synapse formation, and support of synaptic interactions and electrical signal propagation.

Neuroglia, any of several types of cell that function primarily to support neurons. The term neuroglia means "nerve glue." In 1907 Italian biologist Emilio Lugaro suggested that neuroglial cells exchange substances with the extracellular fluid and in this way exert control on the neuronal...