Glial Cells Vital for Proper Brain Function

Researchers highlight the essential role of non-neuronal cells in the brain

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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While neurons have long been considered the stars of the nervous system, new research shows that glial cells - which make up roughly half the cells in the human brain - play an essential and active role in nearly every neural function, from regulating the chemical environment to clearing waste and supporting brain development. Disruptions to glial cell activity have been linked to a range of neurological disorders, suggesting the brain operates as an interconnected ecosystem.

Why it matters

This research challenges the long-held view of neurons as the sole drivers of brain activity and cognition. It highlights the critical importance of glial cells, which had previously been overlooked, and suggests that many brain diseases may arise from complex interactions between multiple cell types, not just malfunctioning neurons. Understanding these glial-neuron relationships could lead to new therapeutic approaches targeting the brain's support network.

The details

Glial cells, or glia, make up roughly half the cells in the human brain. While early microscopes revealed little more than a faint scaffolding between neurons, research has shown that glial cells play an active and essential role in neural function. Astrocytes regulate the chemical environment, remove excess neurotransmitters, and shuttle glucose and nutrients to active neurons. Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, which insulates nerve fibers and allows for rapid signal transmission. Microglia serve as the brain's immune defenders, clearing debris and managing inflammation, as well as pruning excess synaptic connections during development.

  • In the late 19th century, early microscopes first revealed the presence of glial cells in the brain.
  • Throughout much of the 20th century, glial cells were treated as passive support cells, overshadowed by the more directly measurable electrical activity of neurons.

The players

Astrocytes

A major type of glial cell that surrounds synapses, regulates the chemical environment, and helps shuttle glucose and nutrients to active neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce myelin, a fatty sheath that wraps around nerve fibers to insulate and allow for rapid signal transmission.

Microglia

The brain's immune defenders, clearing debris, responding to injury, managing inflammation, and pruning excess synaptic connections during development.

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What they’re saying

“Glial cells are anything but passive support. They are active, essential partners in nearly every neural function.”

— Richard Brill, Retired professor of science at Honolulu Community College (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

What’s next

As scientists continue to uncover the complex interactions between glial cells and neurons, future therapies may target the brain's support network as carefully as its signaling cells in order to address a range of neurological disorders.

The takeaway

This research fundamentally shifts our understanding of the brain, highlighting the essential and active role of glial cells beyond just passive support. It suggests the brain operates as an interconnected ecosystem, with different cell types working in coordination, and that many neurological diseases may arise from disruptions to these intricate glial-neuron relationships.