Astrocytes support neurons. They store excess neurotransmitters, regulate the chemical environment around the cell, and help to form the blood-brain barrier.

Astrocytes support neurons. They store excess neurotransmitters, regulate the chemical environment around the cell, and help to form the blood-brain barrier.

Oligodendrocytes support the neuron by producing myelin. Myelin is a fatty sheath that insulates the axon and allows electricity to travel efficiently in neurons.

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain. They terminate pathogens and debris with acidic enzymes. 

Neural stem cells are a topic of interest for research. They are found in limited quanties, and they can differentiate into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. 

The blood-brain barrier is a selective interface that regulates the chemicals that enter the brain. It is formed by the foot processes of the astrocytes and the vascular endothelium. 

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain. They terminate pathogens and debris with acidic enzymes. 

Astrocytes support neurons. They store excess neurotransmitters, regulate the chemical environment around the cell, and help to form the blood-brain barrier.

Astrocytes support neurons. They store excess neurotransmitters, regulate the chemical environment around the cell, and help to form the blood-brain barrier.

Electromagnetic radiation is used to capture images of brain tumors. By changing the amount of radiation, researchers can vary the color and produce amazing photos. 

This is a slice of the brain taken along the coronal plane, which divides the body into front and back. The large mass on the right is a portion of the tumor. Notice how it displaces the other structures. 

The brain is depicted from a top-down (dorsal) view. Inside is a tumor (glioblastoma multiforme). © Miller Habib

Chemical dyes such as Barium and Iodine can be applied to scans to add contrast and highlight different structures. The tumor is in orange. 

Cells that multiply uncontrollably and invade the surrounding tissue are known as cancerous (malignant). In the case of glioblastoma, the cells would be malignant because they are harmful. 

A sample of tumor tissue is pictured. Notice the varying sizes and the prominent cancer cells. 

This is an inverse image. It is a slice taken along the sagittal plane, which splits the body into left and right halves. The tumor is seen in indigo. 

To highlight infected tissue, a physician is required to segment (paint) the area that the tumor occupies. In this case, a slice is seen along the transverse plane, which divides the body into top and bottom pieces. The tumor is highlighted in red. 

Tumors are graded on a scale from 1-4, with one being slow and small, and four being large and fast-developing. Glioblastoma is a four on this scale. The tumor is made up of multiple tissues.