Structured Summary
Abstract
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.
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Classification
Broader headings
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Synonyms
9 entry terms
- Astroglia
- Astroglia Cells
- Astroglial Cells
- Astrocyte
- Astroglia Cell
- Astroglial Cell
- Astroglias
- Cell, Astroglia
- Cell, Astroglial
MeSH Record
Aspects Covered
15 allowable subheadings
Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, cytology, drug effects, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.
MeSH Record
History Note
79(75); was see under NEUROGLIA 1963-78
MeSH Record
Previous Indexing
- Neuroglia (1966-1974)
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NLM Classification
WL 101
AMA Style
References
- National Library of Medicine. Astrocytes. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D001253. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D001253
- Astrocytes. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrocyte
- Astrocytes. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q502961