Glia
/ˈɡliː.ə/noun
The supporting cells of the nervous system that nourish, protect, and regulate neurons.
Did you know?The term was coined in the 19th century because glial cells were initially thought to act mainly as a physical adhesive binding nervous tissue together.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*glei-
“To stick, adhere, or cling”
Ancient Greek
Greek
glía (γλία)
“Glue or a sticky substance”
19th Century
German
Glia
“A coined anatomical term for the connective substance of nervous tissue”
19th Century
English
glia
“The non-neuronal supporting tissue of the nervous system”
Modern English
English
glia
“The diverse population of supporting neural cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia”