glia

SYN: neuroglia. [G. glue]

* * *

glia 'glē-ə, 'glī-ə n, pl glia supporting tissue that is intermingled with the essential elements of nervous tissue esp. in the brain, spinal cord, and ganglia, is of ectodermal origin, and is composed of a network of fine fibrils and of flattened stellate cells with numerous radiating fibrillar processes see microglia

* * *

(neuroglia)

n.

the special connective tissue of the central nervous system, composed of different cells, including the oligodendrocyte, astrocyte, ependymal cells (see ependyma), and microglia, with various supportive and nutritive functions. Glial cells outnumber the neurones by between five and ten to one, and make up some 40% of the total volume of the brain and spinal cord.

• glial adj.

* * *

(gliґə) [Gr. “glue”] neuroglia. glial adj