Glial Cells

Glial Cells

1. Do not transmit information. The glue that holds neurons together. Smaller than neurons but are many more of them.

   • Migration
     • Radial glia- guide the migration of neurons and their axons and dendrites during the embryonic period. Neuron winds its way along the glial.
   • Myelin Sheath
     • Oligodendrocytes- build the myelin sheaths in the CNS. Can cover many axons.
       • Cannot repair
     • Schwann cells- builds the myelin sheaths in the PNS. Can cover only one axon.
       • Can repair.
   • Presynaptic Terminals
     • Astrocytes- star shaped glia that wrap around the presynaptic terminals of a group of functionally related axons. Help synchronize activity. Takes up ions released by axons. Also removes waste material.
       • Microglia- also remove waste materials, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms