glia

n. nonneuronal tissue in the nervous system that provides structural, nutritional, and other kinds of support to neurons. It may consist of very small cells (microglia) or relatively large ones (macroglia). The latter include astrocytes, ependymal cells, and the two types of cells that form the myelin sheath around axons: oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Also called neuroglia. —glial adj.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

tendon reflex

the automatic contraction of a muscle elicited by stretching a tendon. Such reflexes are mediated by tendon stretch detectors, called Golgi tendon organs. An example of a tendon reflex is the patellar reflex, elicited by tapping or stretching the patellar tendon just below the kneecap. Also called deep reflex.