Radial glia

Definition

Radial glia are specialized glial cells that serve as scaffolding for neuronal migration during brain development. They also have stem cell properties, giving rise to neurons and other glial cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radial glia play a critical role in the formation of the cerebral cortex during embryonic development.
2. They extend long processes that span the thickness of the developing neural tube, guiding migrating neurons to their destinations.
3. Radial glia can differentiate into various cell types, including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
4. Their function is crucial for proper brain architecture and any disruption can lead to neurological disorders.
5. Postnatally, radial glia largely transform into astrocytes or ependymal cells in the mature brain.

Review Questions

• What primary function do radial glia serve during brain development?
• Into which cell types can radial glia differentiate?
• How do radial glia contribute to the formation of the cerebral cortex?

Related terms

Neurons: Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses through electrical and chemical signals.

Astrocytes: Star-shaped glial cells in the central nervous system that support neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier.

Oligodendrocytes: Glial cells responsible for forming and maintaining myelin sheaths around axons in the central nervous system.