MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Astrocytes have a unique type of intermediate filament made of glial fibrillar acidic protein that helps these cells provide strong structural support to the neurons. Astrocytes also help relate neurons to capillaries. In fact, some astrocytes have processes with expanded end-feet that attach to capillaries.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are three types of glial cells in the mature central nervous system: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells (Figure 1.4A-C). Astrocytes, which are restricted to the brain and spinal cord, have elaborate local processes that give these cells a starlike appearance (hence the prefix “astro”).

Detailed explanation-3: -Astrocytes form the blood-brain barrier, which is a barrier that regulates the movement of substances from the capillaries into the neurons. The astrocytes form tight junctions between blood capillaries and the neurons of the central nervous system.