neuroglia

neuroglia
    n 1: sustentacular tissue that surrounds and supports neurons in
         the central nervous system; glial and neural cells together
         compose the tissue of the central nervous system [syn:
         {neuroglia}, {glia}]
    

Neuroglia \Neu*rog"li*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ney^ron ligament +
   gli`a glue.] (Anat.)
   The delicate connective tissue framework which supports the
   nervous matter and blood vessels of the brain and spinal
   cord; called also {K["o]lliker's reticulum}. It is composed
   of cells which are not neurons. Once thought to serve merely
   a supporting funciton, they are now believed to have
   important metablolic functions. Among them are the
   astrocytes, ependymal cells, oligodendroglia cells, and
   microglia cells. --Stedman.
   [1913 Webster +PJC]