protoplasmic astrocyte

biology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Protoplasmic astrocytes are a type of star-shaped cell, called neuroglia, found in the nervous system of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Unlike fibrous astrocytes, which are found in the white matter of the central nervous system, protoplasmic astrocytes are located in the gray matter. They have fewer fibrils in their cytoplasm and their organelles are sparse.1

Protoplasmic astrocytes play a role in the nervous system's response to injury by dividing and occupying spaces left by damaged neurons. They are also believed to absorb neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA, which helps regulate communication between nerve cells at the synapses.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

astrocyte
Unlike fibrous astrocytes, protoplasmic astrocytes occur in the gray matter of the central nervous system. They have fewer fibrils within their cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic organelles are sparse, so that the somata are shaped by surrounding neurons and fibres. The processes of protoplasmic astrocytes also make contact with capillaries
Read More
Unlike fibrous astrocytes, protoplasmic astrocytes occur in the gray matter of the central nervous system. They have fewer fibrils within their cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic organelles are sparse, so that the somata are shaped by surrounding neurons and fibres. The processes of protoplasmic astrocytes also make contact with capillaries
Read More

nervous system
Types of neuroglia
Unlike fibrous astrocytes, protoplasmic astrocytes occur in the gray matter of the central nervous system. They have fewer fibrils within their cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic organelles are sparse, so that the somata are shaped by surrounding neurons and fibres. The processes of protoplasmic astrocytes also make contact with capillaries.
Read More
Unlike fibrous astrocytes, protoplasmic astrocytes occur in the gray matter of the central nervous system. They have fewer fibrils within their cytoplasm, and cytoplasmic organelles are sparse, so that the somata are shaped by surrounding neurons and fibres. The processes of protoplasmic astrocytes also make contact with capillaries.
Read More