The Role of Glia at Synapses

Flashcards focusing on vocabulary related to the roles of glial cells in synaptic function.

Glia

Cells in the nervous system that support and modulate synaptic communication, more numerous than neurons.

Tripartite synapse

A concept where glial cells are considered active participants alongside pre- and postsynaptic elements in synaptic communication.

Astrocytes

The most common type of glial cell in the CNS that regulates the environment around neurons and synapses.

Microglia

CNS glial cells that act as immune defense, similar to macrophages, involved in inflammation and injury response.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that form myelin sheaths around axons.

Neurotransmitter spillover

The phenomenon where neurotransmitters released at one synapse affect neighboring synapses.

Glutamate re-uptake transporters

Transporters in astrocytes responsible for clearing glutamate from the synaptic cleft to prevent excitotoxicity.

Electrogenic transporter

A transporter that creates a net charge movement, contributing to the membrane potential, such as astrocytic glutamate transporters.

Calcium signaling in astrocytes

The process where intracellular calcium elevation triggers responses that can propagate to neighboring astrocytes.

Guanylyl cyclase

An enzyme that converts GTP to cGMP, involved in signaling pathways that can affect neurotransmitter release.