N0006677 Photomicrograph showing ‘star’ cell astrocyte
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Photomicrograph showing fibrillary astrocyte in astrocytoma. Astrocytes are 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. Astrocytomas are neoplasms of the brain and spinal cord derived from glial cells which vary from histologically benign forms to highly anaplastic and malignant tumors. Fibrillary astrocytomas are the most common type and may be classified in order of increasing malignancy (grades I through IV). In the first two decades of life, astrocytomas tend to originate in the cerebellar hemispheres; in adults, they most frequently arise in the cerebrum and frequently undergo malignant transformation.
Photomicrograph
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