Types of glial cells

Location: CNS (gray and white matter)

Function:

• a supporting network that lines around the surface of the brain and blood vessels in CNS

• Contributes to blood brain barrier

• Scar formation around infarcts

• Regulates extra cellular concentration of ions

Astrocytes

Location: CNS

Function:

• Form myelin sheaths around axons in CNS

Oligodendrocytes

Location: CNS

Function:

• Migrate to the site of lesion and engulf cellular debris to remove it

Microglia

Location: Ventricular cavity

Function:

• Form the membranous lining of the ventricular cavity

Ependymal cells

Location: PNS

Function:

• Form the myelin sheath around axons in the PNS

• Constitute fibrous connective tissue around fibers in the PNS

Schwann cells