Neuroglia (also known as Neuroglias, Glia): The non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. They not only provide physical support, but also respond to injury, regulate the ionic and chemical composition of the extracellular milieu, participate in the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and BLOOD-RETINAL BARRIER, form the myelin insulat

NIH MeSH · D009457Anatomy

Neuroglia

Also known asNeuroglias · Glia · Glias · Glial Cells · Cell, Glial · Glial Cell · Neuroglial Cells · Cell, Neuroglial · Neuroglial Cell · Glia Cells · Cell, Glia · Glia Cell

Definition

The non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. They not only provide physical support, but also respond to injury, regulate the ionic and chemical composition of the extracellular milieu, participate in the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and BLOOD-RETINAL BARRIER, form the myelin insulation of nervous pathways, guide neuronal migration during development, and exchange metabolites with neurons. Neuroglia have high-affinity transmitter uptake systems, voltage-dependent and transmitter-gated ion channels, and can release transmitters, but their role in signaling (as in many other functions) is unclear.

MeSH classification

  • A08.637
  • A11.650

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Common questions about Neuroglia

What does Neuroglia mean in medicine?
The non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. They not only provide physical support, but also respond to injury, regulate the ionic and chemical composition of the extracellular milieu, participate in the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER and BLOOD-RETINAL BARRIER, form the myelin insulation of nervous pathways, guide neuronal migration during development, and exchange metabolites with neurons. Neuroglia have high-affinity transmitter uptake systems, voltage-dependent and transmitter-gated ion channels, and can release transmitters, but their role in signaling (as in many other functions) is unclear. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Neuroglia known by any other names?
Yes. Neuroglia is also referred to as Neuroglias, Glia, Glias, Glial Cells in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Neuroglia sit in the medical classification?
Neuroglia falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A08.637, A11.650). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Neuroglia?
For a plain-language explanation of Neuroglia - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Neuroglia" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D009457) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗