Glial cells

The nervous system consists of two types of cell: neurones and glial cells (or neurolgia). The glial cells (gloios = glue), or neuroglia, so called because scientists believe they constitute the ‘glue’ which keeps the nervous system together. There are two types of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system, satellite cells and Schwann cells. These cells ensure ‘framework’ or supporting functions and also neurone nutrition. Schwann’s cells wrap their membrane around certain neuronal extensions to form a sheaf which allows nerve conduction to be accelerated.