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Astrocytes MeSH Descriptor Data 2024


MeSH Heading
Astrocytes
Tree Number(s)
A08.637.200
A11.650.200
Unique ID
D001253
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D001253
Scope Note
A class of large neuroglial (macroglial) cells in the central nervous system - the largest and most numerous neuroglial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytes (from "star" cells) are irregularly shaped with many long processes, including those with "end feet" which form the glial (limiting) membrane and directly and indirectly contribute to the BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical environment, and "reactive astrocytes" (along with MICROGLIA) respond to injury.
Entry Term(s)
Astroglia
Astroglia Cells
Astroglial Cells
NLM Classification #
WL 101
Previous Indexing
Neuroglia (1966-1974)
See Also
Blood-Brain Barrier
Public MeSH Note
79; was see under NEUROGLIA 1963-78
Online Note
search NEUROGLIA 1966-74
History Note
79(75); was see under NEUROGLIA 1963-78
Date Established
1979/01/01
Date of Entry
1999/01/01
Revision Date
2020/01/16
Astrocytes Preferred
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