Meaning & use

glial cell

noun·Advanced

A type of cell in the nervous system that supports, protects, and nourishes neurons without transmitting nerve impulses itself.

See it in a sentence

Glial cells help maintain the balance of chemicals surrounding neurons in the brain.

Researchers found that damaged glial cells may play a role in certain neurological diseases.

A note on using this word

Once thought to be merely structural support, glial cells are now known to play active roles in brain signaling and repair.

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