noun
- Star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord that provide structural support, nutrients, and insulation to neurons.
Usage: biology; neuroscience; plural form of astrocyte
Examples
- Astrocytes make up about half of the cells in the brain.
- These astrocytes help regulate the chemical environment around neurons.
- Damage to astrocytes can impair brain function and recovery after injury.
- Researchers study astrocytes to understand neurodegenerative diseases.
- Astrocytes form a network that supports neural communication.