Medical term:

astrocyte

[as´tro-sīt]

a neuroglial cell of ectodermal origin, characterized by fibrous or protoplasmic processes; collectively called astroglia or macroglia.

Astrocyte in association with a blood vessel. From Dorland's, 2000.

as·tro·cyte

(as'trō-sīt),

One of the large neuroglia cells of nervous tissue.
See also: neuroglia.

Synonym(s): astroglia cell, astroglia, Cajal cell (2) , Deiters cells (2) , macroglia cell, macroglia, spider cell (1)

[G. astron, star, + kytos, hollow (cell)]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

astrocyte

(ăs′trə-sīt′)

A star-shaped cell, especially a neuroglial cell of nervous tissue.

as′tro·cyt′ic (-sĭt′ĭk) adj.

as·tro·cyte

(as'trō-sīt, astrŏ-sīt)

One of the large neuroglia cells of nervous tissue.
See also: neuroglia
Synonym(s): astroglia, macroglia.

[G. astēr, star, + kytos, chamber, cell]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

ASTROCYTES

astrocyte

(as'tro-sit?) [ astro- + -cyte, cell]

A common, asterisk-shaped glial cell with many radiating cell processes. Astrocytes are neuroectodermal cells that begin as radial glia that later mature into multipolar cells. Astrocytes are spread homogeneously throughout the central nervous system and each astocyte occupies its own compartment of neuropil. The cell processes of an astrocyte are covered with "leaflets" of cytoplasm that contact axons, synaptic structures, blood vessels, and neighboring glia. Touching astrocytes are electrically coupled and can propagate calcium potentials and within its microdomain of neuropil, each astrocyte regulates the extracellular concentration of certain molecules, including neurotransmitters. In areas of injury, astrocytes can proliferate.

Synonym: astroglial cell See: illustrationastrocytic (as?tro-sit'ik), adjective

Cajal,

Santiago, Spanish histologist and Nobel laureate, 1852-1934.

Cajal astrocyte stain - a method for demonstrating astrocytes by impregnation in a solution containing gold chloride and mercuric chloride.

Cajal cell - Synonym(s): horizontal cell of Cajal

Cajal formol ammonium bromide solution

Cajal gold-sublimate method

Cajal uranium silver method

horizontal cell of Cajal - a small fusiform cell found in the superficial layer of the cerebral cortex with its long axis placed horizontally. Synonym(s): astrocyte; Cajal cell

interstitial nucleus of Cajal - a group of neurons believed to be involved in the integration of head and eye movements. Synonym(s): interstitial nucleus

Deiters,

Otto F.K., German anatomist, 1834-1863.

Deiters cells - the supporting cells of the organ of Corti; one of the large neuroglia cells of nervous tissue. Synonym(s): astrocyte; phalangeal cell

Deiters nucleus - lateral vestibular nucleus.

Deiters terminal frames - platelike structures in the organ of Corti uniting the outer phalangeal cells with Hensen cells.

as·tro·cyte

(as'trō-sīt, astrŏ-sīt)

One of the large neuroglial cells of neural tissue.
See: neuroglia

[G. astēr, star, + kytos, chamber, cell]

astrocytes

Star-shaped connective tissue cells of the nervous system that link nerve cells to blood vessels and, by wrapping round brain capillaries, help to form the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER. Neurological connective tissue (neuroglial) cells.

astrocytes

Neuroglial cells with many processes found in the central nervous system, the retina (especially the ganglion cells, the inner plexiform layers and the nerve fibre layer) and the optic nerve. Their function is believed to be nutritional and structural and to be involved in the clearance of neurotransmitters from within the synaptic cleft. Syn. Cajal's cells.

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