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What Are Glial Cells?

By Kendra Van Wagner, About.com

Definition: Glial cells are non-neural cells that perform "housekeeper" functions such as clearing out debris and excess materials. Glial cells support neurons by providing support and nutrition. There are several different types of glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, radial glial, satellite cells and schwann cells. It is estimated that there are 10 to 50 times more glial cells than there are neurons in the brain.

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