Neural Cell Structure

The nervous system consists of two different cell types: neurons and glial cells.

Glial Cells

Glial cells are non-neuronal cells that provide support to the nervous system. The function of glial cells is to fix neurons in place, provide them with nutrients and insulation, and remove pathogens and dead neurons. Glial cells include:

• Astrocyte
• Oligodendrocyte
• Ependymal cells
• Radial glial cells
• Schwann cells

In the central nervous system, myelin-forming glial cells are called oligodendrocytes. In the peripheral nervous system, they are called Schwann cells. Every type has its specific glial cells markers for classification.

Neurons

Neurons, which transmit chemical and electrical signals in the brain, are a type of cells with many different structures and functions. They are the basic components of the central nervous system. The basic parts of a neuron are the body (cell body), axons (slender protrusions that conduct electrical pulses away from the cell body), dendrites (dendritic structures that can receive information from other neurons) and synapses.

Dendrites and axons are two important members of synapses. Synaptosomes at the end of axons release chemical or electrical signals to the postsynaptic membrane, which is the dendrites of the next neuron. The presynaptic membrane and the post-synaptic membrane can be recognized by the proteins, receptors, and channels they contain. Different neuron markers have been used as indicators for structural and functional classification.

In addition, numerous neural stem cell markers and neural crest stem cell markers, have been developed for neuroscience research. Studies on complex nerve cell types and cell structures require a variety of life science research products. Creative Biolabs has been committed to developing the most advanced reagents to assist neurobiological research. We provide a series of scientific research products for neural cell structure research, including monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, labeled antibodies, proteins, analytical kits, and small molecule activators and inhibitors.

Please browse the options to take a deeper look at the tools for your research needs.