glia

[glahy-uh, glee-uh]

noun

Anatomy.

1. neuroglia.

glia

/ ˈɡliːə /

noun

1. Also called: neuroglia. the delicate web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports nerve cells

glia

1. The delicate network of branched cells and fibers that supports the tissue of the central nervous system.

Other Word Forms

• glial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glia¹

First recorded in 1885–90, glia is from the Late Greek word glía glue

Example Sentences

The healthy protein is anchored on the cell membranes of neurons and glia throughout the brain, although its best validated role is in maintaining myelination of peripheral nerves.

From Science Magazine

They also reported that a fraction of neural stem cells continue to produce glia after they have finished making neurons, a behavior similarly observed in other parts of the brain.

From Science Daily

The fiber photometry method revealed that intracellular Ca2+ levels in cerebellar glia decreased or increased in conjunction with the superiority or inferiority of the fight, respectively.

From Science Daily

They also looked at the fly equivalent of microglia, called ensheathing glia, whose primary function is to remove neural debris, such as degenerating axons.

From Science Daily

Mouse brains with the human version produced more basal radial glia, which in turn developed into more cortical neurons, than did mice with the archaic version.

From Science Magazine