Overview

The nervous system consists of neurons, glial cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix. Neurons are electrically excitable cells and are primarily responsible for initiation, processing, and transmission of information. However, their function is affected by their reciprocal interactions with glial cells, which contribute to development, survival, and plasticity of synaptic connections and shape the activity of neuronal ensembles and systems critical for cognition and behavior. Advances in molecular, cellular, and electrophysiological approaches have provided major insight not only in normal function of neurons and glial cells but also in the pathophysiology of neurologic diseases at the molecular, synaptic, cellular network, and system levels.