Types and Functions of Glia
Name of Glial Cell	Function
Astrocyte (Astroglia)	Star-shaped cells that provide physical and nutritional support for neurons: 1) clean up brain "debris"; 2) transport nutrients to neurons; 3) hold neurons in place; 4) digest parts of dead neurons; 5) regulate content of extracellular space
Microglia	Like astrocytes, microglia digest parts of dead neurons.
Oligodendroglia	Provide the insulation (myelin) to neurons in the central nervous system.
Satellite Cells	Physical support to neurons in the peripheral nervous system.
Schwann Cells	Provide the insulation (myelin) to neurons in the peripheral nervous system.

There are a few ways in which glia cells are different from neurons: Neurons have TWO "processes" called axons and dendrites....glial cells have only ONE. Neurons CAN generate action potentials...glial cells CANNOT. However, glial cells do have a resting potential. Neurons HAVE synapses that use neurotransmitters...glial cells do NOT have chemical synapses. There are many MORE (10-50 times more) glial cells in the brain compared to the number of neurons.

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