| Term: | midbrain astrocyte |
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| Note: | This page represents a term created by the combination ("post-composition") of two ontology terms. For more information on the individual terms, click the hyperlinked name. |
| Name: | midbrain |
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| Synonyms: | mesencephalon |
| Definition: | The brain region between the forebrain anteriorly and the hindbrain posteriorly, including the tectum dorsally and the midbrain tegmentum ventrally. |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0000128] |
| Name: | astrocyte |
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| Synonyms: | astrocytes |
| Definition: | A class of large neuroglial (macroglial) cells in the central nervous system - the largest and most numerous neuroglial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytes (from 'star' cells) are irregularly shaped with many long processes, including those with 'end feet' which form the glial (limiting) membrane and directly and indirectly contribute to the blood-brain barrier. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical environment, and 'reactive astrocytes' (along with microglia) respond to injury. |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0009075] |