Spinecare Topics
Cells of the Spinal Cord
The
nerves or neurons within the spinal cord are not the
only cells, which communicate through chemical and electrical methods. There three types of glial cells within the brain
and spinal cord. These are astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes.
The
most prevalent type is the astrocyte.
They tend to outnumber neurons in the brain and the spinal cord by as much as 10 to 1. Astrocytes form the framework and support tissue of the
brain and spinal cord. The glial cells
help deliver nutrients to the nerves.
They also modulate nerve signals and respond to spinal injury or ischemia.