Astrocytes - CNS Neuroglia

Largest & most numerous & most elaborate of all glial elements

Distinct cytoplasmic bundles(intermediate filaments):
-Glial Fibrillar Acidic Protein (GFAP)

Form pervascular end feet by processes:
-Blood-Brain Barrier(BBB).
-External & internal limiting membranes lining ventricular system.

Scavenging ions and remnants of neuronal metabolism.

Contribute to energy metabolism by releasing glucose from stored glycogen.

Corpora amylacea:
-Clusters of glycoproteins and lipoproteins contained in processes.

Recruit cellular scar tissue to damaged areas.

Abnormal increase of astrocytes near trauma -> gliosis.

-Fibrous astrocyte:
--Mostly in white matter of CNS, with long unbranched proccesses.
-Protoplasmic astrocytes:
--In gray matter of CNS.
--Stellate-shaped cell body with large nucleus.
--Many short banching process.
--Some surrounds synapses and nodes of Ranvier.