What is the Difference Between Neurons and Glial Cells

The main difference between neurons and glial cells is that the neurons are the structural and functional units of the nervous system, whereas the glial cells are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. Furthermore, neurons are responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses between the central nervous system and body while glial cells maintain homeostasis, providing support and protection to the neurons.  

Neurons and glial cells are the two types of cells that occur in the nervous system. Generally, they occur in both central and peripheral nervous systems. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What are Neurons
     – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What are Glial Cells
     – Definition, Structure, Function
3. What are the Similarities Between Neurons and Glial Cells
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Neurons and Glial Cells
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Glial Cells, Neurons, Nervous System, Signal Transmission, Support

What are Neurons 

Neurons are the conducting cells of the nervous system. Typically, a neuron consists of a cell body with a nucleus surrounding cytoplasm. Generally, the nucleus of a neuron at least contains a single nucleolus. Although many regular organelles are there in the cytoplasm of the neuron, it lacks centrioles. That means; the neurons do not undergo cell division. Also, two types of processes extend from the cell body. They are the dendrites, which are the several, radiating processes and an axon, which is the single long process. Significantly, the axon terminal contains twig-like branches projecting along its course. Furthermore, dendrites receive nerve impulses while axons transmit nerve impulses either to another neuron or the effector organ.

Figure 1: Neuron 

Furthermore, the three main types of neurons are sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons. Generally, sensory or afferent neurons carry nerve impulses from the sensory receptors to the central nervous system. Also, motor neurons carry nerve impulses from the central nervous system to the effector organs such as muscles and glands. On the other hand, interneurons occur in the brain and the spinal cord, interconnecting sensory and motor neurons. All the neurons in the nervous system are organized into two divisions called central and the peripheral nervous system. 

What are Glial Cells 

Glial cells are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. Neuroglia and glia are the other names for glial cells. Significantly, glial cells occur in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Generally, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells are the glial cells in the central nervous system. In comparison, Schwann cells and satellite cells are the two types of glial cells in the peripheral nervous system. However, glial cells are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, formation of myelin, and providing support and protection for the neurons.

Figure 2: Glial Cells

Moreover, glial cells surround neurons while holding them in place. They also supply oxygen and nutrients to the neurons. In addition to this, they remove dead cells while protecting neurons from pathogens. Glial cells insulate neurons from each other. Basically, the ratio of glial cells to neurons is 10:1.  

Similarities Between Neurons and Glial Cells 

• Neurons and glial cells are the two types of cells that occur in the nervous system of animals. 
• They occur in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. 
• Both play a critical role in signal transduction. 

Difference Between Neurons and Glial Cells 

Definition 

Neurons refer to the specialized cells of the nervous system, receiving and transmitting chemical or electric signals, while the glial cells refer to the cells that surround neurons, providing support and insulating them. 

Significance 

While neurons are the structural and functional units of the nervous system, the glial cells are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system.  

Function 

Neurons are responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses between the central nervous system and body, while the glial cells maintain homeostasis, providing support and protection to the neurons. 

Function in Signal Transduction 

Moreover, neurons directly take part in the signal transduction, while the glial cells increase the transduction speed by myelination of axons. 

Types 

The three main types of neurons are sensory, motor, and interneurons while oligodendrocytes,  astrocytes,  ependymal cells, and microglia are the glial cells of the central nervous system and  Schwann cells and satellite cells are the glial cells of the peripheral nervous system. 

Conclusion 

Neurons are the structural and functional units of the nervous system. They are also responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses. Generally, the three main types of neurons include sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons. Glial cells are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system. Types of glial cells include oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, Schwann cells, and satellite cells. They are responsible for supporting neurons and the formation of myelin. Hence, the main difference between neurons and glial cells is their structure and function. 

References:

1. “Neurons and Glial Cells|Boundless Biology.” Lumen, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Blausen 0657 MultipolarNeuron” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Blausen 0870 TypesofNeuroglia” By BruceBlaus. – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia