The Neurological Foundation Glossary

Astrocyte

The dominant glial cell in the brain.

Astrocytes, collectively known as astroglia, are a population of star-shaped glial cells that have a number of functions, including support of the blood-brain barrier, provision of nutrients to neurons, repair to nervous tissue following injury, and facilitation of neurotransmission. In recent years, researchers have found a strong link between astrocytes and neurological conditions, with the disruption of normal astrocyte functions, astrodegeration, or dysfunctional astrogliosis being a primary cause/main factor in these conditions.

Find out more about the glial cells in your brain

Your brain isn't just full of neurons - learn about the other cells in your brain and the impact they can have.