Macroglia cells

Macroglial cells are directly involved in neuronal function controlling neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, neuronal growth and neuron survival.

There are two types of macroglia cells: the oligodendrocytes and the astrocytes, which originate from the ectodermal layer of the gastrula and proliferate throughout life, particularly in response to injury. In addition to microglia and microglia, there are ependymal cells that line the cavities of the central nervous system much like an epithelial layer.

These cells often have cilia and microvilli that extend into the ventrical lumens and spinal canal. Generally, the glial cells appear to act as the metabolic stabilizers of the neurons.

Astrocytes represent the most abundant macroglia and the largest and most heterogeneous group of glial cell types. Astrocytes possess numerous functions that aid in maintaining the homeostatic environment of the CNS. These functions include the initiation and regulation of immune and inflammatory events ruing injury an infection.
Macroglia cells