Neuroglia

This third edition has been completely revised, greatly enlarged, and enhanced with four-color figures throughout, all in response to the tremendous amount of new information that has accumulated since the previous edition seven years ago. Glial cells are, without doubt, the new stars in the neuroscience and neurology communities. Neglected in research for years, it is now evident that the brain only functions in a concerted action of all the cells, namely glia and neurons. Seventy one chapters comprehensively discuss virtually every aspect of normal glial cell anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and function, and consider the central roles of these cells in neurological diseases including stroke, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy, and psychiatric conditions. More than 20 new chapters have been added to accommodate the unprecedented growth of knowledge about the basic biology of glia and the sophisticated manner in which they partner with neurons in the course of normal brain function. Lavishly illustrated and meticulously edited, the third edition remains the most convenient and maximally useful reference available. This new edition is a reference for both newcomers to the field as well as established investigators.

Sect. 1 Properties of neuroglial cells -- Evolution of glial cells: insights from non-mallalian glia -- Morphology, ultrastructure, and identification -- Lineage and development -- Physiological properties -- Genomic profiles -- Sect. 2 Functions of neuroglial cells -- Astrocytes -- Oligodendrocytes/Schwan cells -- Microglia -- Sect. 3 Role of glial cells in disease -- Mechanisms of glial injury -- Recovery of neural function -- Ischemia -- Gliomas -- Demyelinating diseases -- Neurodegenerative diseases -- Infectious diseases -- Miscellaneous diseases.