Nonneuronal Cells of the

Nervous System
Melissa Metzler

Glial Cells
Make up about 90% of the cells in the

nervous system but only 50% of the

volume.
Cannot generate or transmit nerve signals.
They are responsible for the physical and
metabolic support of the neurons.

Types of Nonneuronal Cells

Four types associated with the central

nervous system.

Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and

ependymal cells

Two types associated with the peripheral

nervous system

Satellite cells and Schwann cells.

Astocytes

Star-shaped cell that

provides glucose and
removes ammonia
from the neurons.
Also regulates
potassium and
neurotransmitters
around synapses.

http://fig.cox.miami.edu/~cmallery/150/neuro/neuroph
ysiology.htm

Astrocytes Continued

Form a barrier around the

blood vessels in the brain
(blood-brain barrier).

Keeps certain substances

from moving into the brain.

Helps to direct neurons

during embryo
development and
supplies the neurons with
growth factors.
www.rit.edu/~umagwww/ winter2002/gallery.html

Oligodendrocytes and Microglia

Oligodendrocytes wrap extension of their

cell membranes around sections of the

axon (myelin sheaths).

Myelin sheaths help to transmit nerve

impulses.

Microglia remove pathogens and cell

debris from the brain.

Ependymal Cells

Lines the ventricles or hollow spaces of the

central nervous system and secretes
cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a shock absorber and

helps to carry nutrients to the cells.

http://facult
y.southwest.t
n.edu/rburket
t/A&P1_nervou
s_system_lab.
htm

Nonneuronal Cells of the Peripheral

Nervous System

Satellite cells protect the cells of the ganglia

Schwann cells form a myelin sheath around a
segment of an axon.

www.steve.gb.com/science/ nervous_system.html

References
1.

Pasternak, Jack J. An Introduction to Human Molecular Genetics: Mechanisms of

Inherited Diseases. Second Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2005.

2.

Widmaier, Eric P.; Hershel, Raff; Strang, Kevin T. Vanders Human Physiology: The
Mechanisms of Body Functions. Tenth Edition. Mcgraw-Hill. 2006.