Neurons grow rapidly before and after birth, peaking at around 50,000 per second, with most being irreplaceable and some lasting a lifetime. They rely on glial cells, which come in six major types: radial glial cells, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, astrocytes, satellite cells, and microglia, each serving distinct functions within the central and peripheral nervous systems. Glial cells are essential for supporting and insulating neurons as well as maintaining brain health.

1. Neurons

2. Neurons grow rapidly
before & after birth
Neurons

3. Neurons grow rapidly
before & after birth
Up to
50,000 per second
Neurons

4. Most are irreplaceable
Neurons

5. Most are irreplaceable
Neurons
Some last a lifetime

6. Winnowing =
Neurons
throwing out what you don’t need

7. Can’t do it by themselves
Neurons

8. Can’t do it by themselves
Neurons
Need glial cells

9. Glia
Need glial cells

10. Glia
Six Types Major Types

11. Glia Radial glial cells
Six Types Major Types

12. Glia Radial glial cells
Build a tree-like structure that
neurons climb to form the brain.
Six Types Major Types

13. Glia Oligodendrocytes
Six Types Major Types

14. Glia Oligodendrocytes
Myelinate (insulate) cells in
brain and spine.
Six Types Major Types

15. Glia Schwann cells
Six Types Major Types

16. Glia Schwann cells
Myelinate (insulate) cells in
peripheral system.
Six Types Major Types

17. Glia Astrocytes
Six Types Major Types

18. Glia Astrocytes
Hold CNS (central nervous
system) neurons in place.
Six Types Major Types

19. Glia Satellite cells
Six Types Major Types

20. Glia Satellite cells
Hold PNS (peripheral nervous
system) neurons in place.
Six Types Major Types

21. Glia Microglia
Six Types Major Types

22. Glia Microglia
Help clean up brain, since it
doesn’t have an immune system.
Six Types Major Types

23. Microglia
Astrocytes
Satellite
Oligodendrocytes
Myelinating Schwann cells
Radial
Glial Cells

24. biologicalpsych.com