Neurology, Addiction and Psychiatry Conference

Neuroglia is actually the unsung hero of the nervous system that goes by the name of glial cells. It provides the necessary support, protection, and maintenance of neurons. That is, while neurons propagate electrical signals throughout the brain and body, neuroglia helps it work by sustaining an appropriate environment and supporting several neural processes. Neuroglia is indispensable for maintaining health in the brain; thus, it affects homeostasis, neurodevelopment, and neuroprotection.

Then there are the forms of neuroglia, which vary according to the specific function each is supposed to perform. They perform some functions contributing to the general working of the nervous system:

Indeed, astrocytes are the star-shaped glial cells which keep in place the blood-brain barrier, provide neurons with supplies needed, and create the chemical environment of the brain. In fact, they are amongst the most important participators in the repair processes of the brain tissue after injury and they regulate synaptic transmission, so much a function needed for cognitive functions like learning and memory.

Besides myelinating axons, CN contains oligodendrocytes; PNS comprise Schwann cells, which are the manufacturers of myelin, this oily shroud surrounding axons of neurons and dramatically boosting the propagation of electrical impulses. If myelination did not exist, neural communication would be slow and not that efficient. When myelination is damaged, due to a wide variety of diseases, such disorders as MS occur.

Microglia are immune cells present inside the brain, representing the first line of defense in any case of infection or injury. However, even though these cells are microscopic in size, they continue to observe and monitor every form of infection and damage to the brain and assist in eliminating dead cells along with debris to regain health. Still, the increased activity of microglia causes neuroinflammation, and this has been a very common condition in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

In addition to their roles in support and protection, neuroglia are now also known to play a role in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. More recent evidence had suggested that glial cells are actively involved, not only in forming and modifying synaptic connections during brain development, but also sculpting and maintaining neural circuits from birth through late life.

Further neuroglial research has also established potential roles of such cells in conditions of the nervous system. Indeed, many conditions arise from alterations in the functions of glial cells, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to psychiatric disturbances such as schizophrenia. Understanding mechanisms that neuroglia support the neurons might open novel therapeutic strategies applied toward brain repair and the treatment of neurological disorders.

Neuroglia are thus essential cells that preserve the healthy and functional status of neurons: indeed, the backbone of the nervous system. These essential cells provide support to a functional nervous system that remains tenacious, adaptive, and responsive up to the extent at which neurons can communicate effectively, due to their support of neurons in various ways. More of the discoveries made with neuroglia produce increasingly more importance to normal brain operation and disease, opening exciting possibilities for future therapies aimed at enhancing brain health.