Astrocytes
A class of large neuroglial (macroglial) cells in the central nervous system - the largest and most numerous neuroglial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytes (from star cells) are irregularly shaped with many long processes, including those with end feet which form the glial (limiting) membrane and directly and indirectly contribute to the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical environment, and reactive astrocytes (along with MICROGLIA) respond to injury.
Year introduced: 1979(1975)
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Subheadings:
Tree Number(s): A08.637.200, A11.650.200
MeSH Unique ID: D001253
Entry Terms:
- Astrocyte
- Astroglia Cells
- Astroglia Cell
- Cell, Astroglia
- Astroglial Cells
- Astroglial Cell
- Cell, Astroglial
- Astroglia
- Astroglias
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