Another name for neuroglia is glial cells or simply glia.
Neuroglia, or glial cells, are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and protection for neurons. They are more abundant than neurons and play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the nervous system. Because they are not neurons, which are the nerve cells, they are often just referred to as glial cells.
Here's a breakdown of why they're called glial cells:
- Neuroglia Defined: The term "neuroglia" literally translates to "nerve glue." This reflects their historical perceived role as simply holding neurons together.
- Glia as an Abbreviation: "Glia" is a shortened, more commonly used term for neuroglia.
Therefore, when referring to neuroglia, you can accurately use the terms "glial cells" or "glia" interchangeably.
