摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter describes glial cells in brain defense mechanisms. In the brain, are considered to be pathologic response element. Glia, represented by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells, provide for numerous vital functions. The emerging realization of importance glia has given new life an idea that long lurked at margins neuroscience: may have key roles central nervous system disorders ranging from neuropathic pain epilepsy neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease even contribute schizophrenia, depression, other psychiatric disorders. Glial providing homeostasis. addition, is intrinsically endowed with two opposing features: they protect tissue, but can also rapidly assume guise a natural killer, trying eliminate seal off damaged area so salvage whole expense part.