Astrocytes (from Ancient Greek ἄστρον, ástron, "star" and κύτος, kútos, "cavity", "cell"), also known collectively as astroglia, are characteristic star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Astrocytes are key cells in the central nervous system. They are involved in many important functions under physiological and pathological conditions. As part of neuroglia, they have been recognised as …

Dec 5, 2024 · This article aims to provide an overview of the basic structural and functional characteristics of astrocytes and to explain their interactions with other cells in nervous tissue. …

Nov 22, 2025 · Astrocyte, star-shaped cell that is a type of neuroglia found in the nervous system in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Astrocytes can be subdivided into fibrous and protoplasmic types. …

Jul 23, 2025 · Astrocytes, named for their distinctive star-like shape, are a prominent type of glial cell found throughout the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.

Jan 9, 2026 · Neural circuits in adult mouse visual cortex are stabilized by astrocytes, which secrete CCN1, resulting in reduced plasticity and increased maturation of multiple cell types.

Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that primarily occupy gray matter, playing crucial roles in forming the blood-brain barrier, providing growth cues to neurons, and regulating ion and neurotransmitter …

Jul 23, 2025 · Astrocytes are star-shaped cells found in the brain and spinal cord that play crucial roles in supporting and nourishing neurons. They help regulate the chemical environment of the brain, …

May 1, 2023 · Astrocytes are a subtype of glial cells that make up the majority of cells in the human central nervous system (CNS). They perform metabolic, structural, homeostatic, and neuroprotective …

Astrocytes have been implicated in a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury and autism. Certain …