Neurons and Glia: You Need Them Both
- neurosutton
- Jul 4, 2025
- 3 min read
How to share with others (including children) aka TL;DR
“Your brain is like a busy city. The gray matter is where much of the important work happens. Neurons collect, process, and send signals; glial cells are the helpers who keep everything clean, safe, and running smoothly. Together, they help you learn, remember, and do all the things you love.”
Whether it’s been a while since you’ve heard the term “gray matter” or it’s a brand new concept, step with me into the vibrant landscape of the brain and gaze at this world that is more intricate than any metropolis, alive with connection, conversation, and care. In a future post, we’ll talk about white matter and how signals are sent through the brain and body with speed. Today’s focus is the gray matter, made up of neuronal cell bodies and glial cells. The neurons tend to get the glory, since they are responsible for most of the processing that happens in the brain. However, I’d also like you to meet the glial cells, which are the remarkable support team working tirelessly behind the scenes and often play a major role in health or disease.
Gray Matter, Generally
Think of gray matter as the bustling cities of the brain. Here, billions of neuronal cell bodies gather, much like city centers filled with people exchanging ideas, making decisions, and orchestrating the daily rhythm of life. This is where thoughts are born, memories are woven, and movements are planned (Adams, 2020).
You’ll find gray matter in the cerebral cortex—the brain’s outer layer responsible for language, problem-solving, and sensory experiences. It also forms deep hubs like the basal ganglia and thalamus, which help coordinate movement and relay information.
Differences in gray matter structure and volume can shape learning, memory, and motor skills (Pinter et al., 2001). It is important to recognize that we work with averages in science, so there are no imaging protocols that can predict exact differences and outcomes for an individual. However, understanding general differences help us think about how to support challenging activities and have ideas about potential strengths to explore and grow for those with Down syndrome.
Glial Cells
But neurons don’t work alone. Enter the glial cells—the brain’s steadfast helpers. If neurons are the city’s teachers, government officials, and cough, cough neuroscientists, glial cells are the caregivers, builders, and protectors who keep everything running smoothly. The essential personnel that never had to “return to office” after COVID, because they never left.
Astrocytes are the multitaskers: they feed neurons, clean up waste (including neurotransmitters), and help form the blood-brain barrier, keeping harmful substances out.
Oligodendrocytes wrap neurons in myelin, speeding up messages, like express trains on neural tracks.
Microglia act as the brain’s immune patrol, cleaning up debris and defending against invaders.
NG2-glia and ependymal cells add flexibility and maintain the brain’s inner environment (including producing cerebrospinal fluid to cushion the brain).
Glial cells make up about half the brain’s cells and are just as vital as neurons, even though they don’t get nearly the deserved press. In Down syndrome, research suggests that changes in glial cell function may influence how neurons grow and connect, affecting learning and development (Adams, 2020).
Conclusion
The more we know about the brain’s inner workings, the better we can support our children’s journeys. Thanks for taking this (refresher) course on the remarkable partnership of neurons and glial cells that work side by side to create the symphony of thought, movement, and memory. Each child is unique. And for those of us raising children with Down syndrome, understanding these brain basics isn’t just about science. It’s about unlocking new ways to nurture strengths, address challenges, and celebrate every milestone. Let’s continue to ask questions, share discoveries, and – above all – embrace curiosity….
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For a more comprehensive and still accessible overview, you may wish to visit The Cleveland Clinic's article.
References
Adams, R. L. (2020). Neuroanatomy for the curious: A guide to the brain’s structure and function. Oxford University Press.
Pinter, J. D., Brown, W. E., Eliez, S., Schmitt, J. E., Capone, G. T., & Reiss, A. L. (2001). Amygdala and hippocampal volumes in children with Down syndrome: A high-resolution MRI study. Neurology, 56(7), 972-974.
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