What is an astrocyte and its function?

Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type within the central nervous system (CNS) and perform a variety of tasks, from axon guidance and synaptic support, to the control of the blood brain barrier and blood flow.

What is the main function of the astrocyte?

Astrocytes outnumber neurons in the human brain, and they play a key role in numerous functions within the central nervous system (CNS), including glutamate, ion (i.e., Ca2+, K+) and water homeostasis, defense against oxidative/nitrosative stress, energy storage, mitochondria biogenesis, scar formation, tissue repair …

What is the definition of a astrocyte?

A large, star-shaped cell that holds nerve cells in place and helps them develop and work the way they should. An astrocyte is a type of glial cell.

What are some functions of astrocytes?

Functions Regulation of ionic concentration: Astrocytes play the most important role in the regulation of extracellular ionic concentration around the neurons. Physical support: Blood-brain barrier: The Blood-brain barrier prevents the entry of large sized particles, ions or proteins from blood into the extracellular material of the brain.

What is the function of astrocytes cells?

Astrocytes are a subtype of gilal cells, or neuroglia , the support cells of the nervous system. They are responsible for providing physical support, nutrition, and biochemical support, to the blood-brain barrier and the neurons, as well as for the repair and scarring of the brain or spinal cord following injury.

Do astrocytes conduct action potential?

The main difference between astrocytes and neurons is that many neurons extend their axons over large distances and conduct action potentials of short duration at high speed, whereas astrocytes do not exhibit any electric excitability but conduct calcium spikes of long duration (tens of seconds) over short distances and at low speed.

What is the characteristic of an astrocyte?

Characteristics of astrocytes. Astrocytes make up most of the body’s cells. They are part of the glia cells, that is to say, they are a series of elements that are in charge to accompany and to help the operation of the neurons of the enéfalo. The amount of astrocytes at the brain level of living beings seems to be related to the size of the animal.