Article
Article
Astrocyte
Article By:
Sofroniew, Michael V. Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
Last reviewed:August 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.057050
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- Astrocytes, published November 2015:Download PDF
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An abundant type of glial cell of the central nervous system. Astrocytes (Fig. 1) are specialized glial cells (nonneuronal cells that surround neurons) of the central nervous system (CNS) that exert numerous essential functions in both health and disease. Astrocytes (also known as astroglia) interact closely with neurons throughout the CNS and are critical for establishing and maintaining neural circuits that implement neurological functions. Astrocyte dysfunctions are increasingly recognized as playing important roles in a variety of neurological disorders. See also: Central nervous system; Nervous system (vertebrate); Nervous system disorders; Neurobiology; Neuron
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