The Evolving View of Astrocytes

Did you know that glial cells are more numerous than neurons in the brain? Scientists have found that one type of glial cell that is prevalent in the cortex—the astrocyte—communicates with its brethren, sends information to neurons, and controls blood flow to regions of brain activity. Because of all these properties, and since the cortex is believed responsible for cognition, the role of astrocytes in sleep, learning, and memory is being determined.