Glial scar
Glial Scar
A Glial Scar (pronunciation: /ˈɡliːəl skɑːr/) is a dense network of glia cells, primarily astrocytes, that forms at sites of nervous system injury.
Etymology
The term "Glial Scar" is derived from the Greek word "glia," which means "glue," and the Middle English word "scar," which means "wound." The term is used to describe the "glue-like" network of cells that forms at the site of a wound in the nervous system.
Definition
A Glial Scar is a reactive cellular process involving astrocytes and other glial cells that occurs after injury to the Central Nervous System (CNS). This process results in the formation of a dense, fibrous network of cells and extracellular matrix that encapsulates the injury site, isolating it from the healthy tissue.
Function
The primary function of the Glial Scar is to isolate the damaged area of the CNS, preventing further damage and limiting inflammation. However, the scar can also inhibit neural regeneration, as the dense network of cells and extracellular matrix can form a physical and chemical barrier to regrowing axons.
Related Terms
- Astrocyte: A type of glial cell involved in the formation of the Glial Scar.
- Central Nervous System (CNS): The part of the nervous system where the Glial Scar forms following injury.
- Neural Regeneration: The process that the Glial Scar can inhibit due to its dense network of cells and extracellular matrix.
- Glia: The cells that form the Glial Scar.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glial scar
- Wikipedia's article - Glial scar
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