Image of the Week

A Sea of Glia

  • Published20 Sep 2013
  • Reviewed20 Sep 2013
  • Author Michael W. Richardson
  • Source BrainFacts/SfN

Astrocytes dyed orange.

Astrocytes are members of a family of brain cells called glia. These star-shaped cells contribute to many brain functions, including blood-brain barrier maintenance and brain tissue support. Scientists used a fluorescent dye to detect changes in calcium levels inside astrocytes after a single nearby neuron was stimulated. The image above displays the striking impact one neuron has on many astrocytes.

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