Satellite cell (glial)

Satellite Cell
Satellite cells surround the cell bodies of sensory neurons
Details
Identifiers
Latin	gliocytus ganglionicus
Code	TH H2.00.06.2.02002
NeuroLex ID	Satellite Cell
Anatomical terminology []

Satellite glial cells are glial cells that cover the surface of nerve cell bodies in sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia. Both satellite glial cells (SGCs) and Schwann cells (the cells that ensheathe some nerve fibers) are derived from the neural crest of the embryo during development. SGCs have been found to play a variety of roles, including control over the microenvironment of sympathetic ganglia. They are thought to have a similar role to astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). They supply nutrients to the surrounding neurons and also have some structural function. Satellite cells also act as protective, cushioning cells. Additionally, they express a variety of receptors that allow for a range of interactions with neuroactive chemicals. Many of these receptors and other ion channels have recently been implicated in health issues including chronic pain and herpes simplex. There is much more to be learned about these cells, and research surrounding additional properties and roles of the SGCs is ongoing.

Satellite glial cells are the principal glial cells found in the peripheral nervous system, specifically in sensory,sympathetic, and parasympathetic ganglia. They compose the thin cellular sheaths that surround the individual neurons in these ganglia.

In an SGC, the cell body is denoted by the region containing the single, relatively large nucleus. Each side of the cell body extends outward, forming perineuronal processes. The region containing the nucleus has the largest volume of cytoplasm, making this region of the SGC sheath thicker. The sheath can be even thicker if multiple SGCs are layered on top of one another, each measuring 0.1 micrometres (3.9×10⁻⁶ in).