Glial cells -These are supporting cells of the nervous system. They support the neurons, play important roles in cellular metabolism, and initiate repair. They are composed of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependyma, and microglia. Gliosis -This is scarring in the brain, formed by proliferation of astrocytes. Gray and white matter -The brain is broadly divided into these two types of tissues.
Gray matter contains the neurons while the white matter contains the myelinated nerves.
Oligodendrocytes -These are mainly found in white matter. They produce the myelin that surrounds nerve fibers insulating them and allowing for rapid neural transmission. Microglial cells -These are the scavenger cells of the CNS, functioning as macrophages. Rosenthal fibers -These are thick, elongated, brightly eosinophilic structures. They are found in conditions of long standing gliosis, occasional tumors, and rare metabolic degenerative disorders.