Neuroglia

Neuroglia are cells that play an important role in the human body. They don't look like nerve tissue, but they perform many important functions. Neuroglia can be divided into two types: macrophages and Schwann cells. Macrophages are large, star-shaped cells located in the center of the nerve ending. Schwann cells are smaller in size and most often surround axons or myelinated nerve processes. The functions of neuroglia include regenerating nerve cells and maintaining their function; control of the level of glucose metabolism in cells; metabolic regulation; filtering harmful substances from nerves; transporting nutrients to nerve cells. If there is a shortage of neuroglial cells, the nerve tract may lose its function to other tissues, such as bone or smooth muscle. However, if neuroglial cell function is impaired, this can also lead to problems as the nerve tissue becomes more vulnerable. I note that dysfunction of Schwann cells can directly cause some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and in the case of diagnosing neuroblastoma, neuroglia form the basis of treatment using radiation exposure.