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The Glial Cell

Apart from the nerve cell (also known as a neuron), there is a second type of cell found in the human nervous system: a glial cell. In the average brain the number of glial cells is far greater than the number of neurons (neurons number 100 billion and there are anywhere from ten to fifty times more glial cells than that). Yet, historically, glial cells have been afforded far less importance than their counterparts. This is most likely due to the fact that the purposes of glial cells are generally considered to be of lesser value since they are not responsible for carrying the nerve impulses (ie. action potential) and they do not have the synapses required for the release of neurotransmitters.

Notwithstanding, glial cells are imperative for the proper function of neurons since it is through them that support, insulation and nutrition are adequately provided. Perhaps the most familiar example of a glial cell is the myelin sheath, a fatty substance that wraps around neuron axons to facilitate signal transduction. Other types of glia include astrocytes, Schwann cells, satellite cells and radial glia.

Web Resources On The Glial Cell

Glial Cells
Wikipedia: Glial Cells

Book Resources On The Glial Cell

Glial Cell Development: Basic Principles and Clinical Relevance by Kristjan R. Jessen (Editor)
Glial Cells: Their Role in Behaviour by Peter R. Laming, et al

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