Astrocytes

It's a-me, Mario!

Yeah, I drew Mario to look a bit like Luigi...

But anyway, astrocytes are cells that have a star-like shape. They are found in the central nervous system and perform a variety of functions, including metabolic support to other brain cells and the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Astrocytes will proliferate under injury to form glial scars (gliosis).

Astrocytomas (a form of brain tumor) has three grades: I, II, and III. Grade III tumors show increased cellularity, distinct nuclear atypia, and marked mitotic activity. These tumors will also enhance on imaging studies.

You can stain astrocytes with GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein).