Glial Cells are supporting cells in the nervous system (central nervous system [CNS] and peripheral nervous system [PNS]) which aid in the efficiency of neural operations in the nervous system, (Carlson, 2013). Carlson (2013, p.36) indicates the general functions of the glial cells as: keeping neurons in place; supplying neurons with nutrients and the chemicals needed to communicate with each other; protecting neurons from each other to promote coherent messages; and “destroying and removing the carcasses of neurons that are killed by disease or injury.” These functions are carried out by three types of Glial cells in the central nervous system (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglial cells); together with Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, (House & Palmer, 1996). Hence, Glial cells do not directly partake in the electrical signaling in the
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These cells are responsible for general maintenance within the nervous system through a plethora of supporting functions. Namely, the stabilizing neurons, that is, ensuring that neurons are held firmly in place. Controlling neurons’ nutrient supply and some of the chemicals needed to carry out messages with other neurons. Insulating neurons; separating them from each other so that neural messages are not scrambled. Lastly, they destroy and remove “the carcasses of neurons that are killed by disease or injury”, (Carlson, 2013, p.36). These functions are concentrated around neurons; these are the cells responsible for electrical impulses (coordinating signaling in the nervous system). The general functions of glial cells can be seen in the operations of its different types, within the CNS and PNS. They are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS (House & Palmer,
These cells are responsible for general maintenance within the nervous system through a plethora of supporting functions. Namely, the stabilizing neurons, that is, ensuring that neurons are held firmly in place. Controlling neurons’ nutrient supply and some of the chemicals needed to carry out messages with other neurons. Insulating neurons; separating them from each other so that neural messages are not scrambled. Lastly, they destroy and remove “the carcasses of neurons that are killed by disease or injury”, (Carlson, 2013, p.36). These functions are concentrated around neurons; these are the cells responsible for electrical impulses (coordinating signaling in the nervous system). The general functions of glial cells can be seen in the operations of its different types, within the CNS and PNS. They are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS (House & Palmer,