Reflecting the dramatic advances in the field since the first edition was published 10 years ago, this book is the only comprehensive reference on glial cells. The majority of neuroscientists now acknowledge that neuroglia are elemental to most, if not all, brain functions. The second edition covers the entire field of glial research from the basic molecular and cellular structure of these cells to their involvement in neurological diseases including stroke, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. It includes new chapters on transmitter release by exocytosis from glia, glia derived stem cells, glia and synaptic transmission, glia and axon guidance, mechanisms of glial injury, and the roles of glia in different diseases. The new edition was written with both students and experts in mind. It provides a basic introduction to the entire range of glial topics and detailed information with critical assessment of the research literature. Neuroscience textbooks focus on the properties of neurons, whereas this book fills the information void about the brain's other cells. This book is an essential reference source for newcomers, including graduate students, to neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neurophysiology and molecular neurobiology. It is also a vital companion for established researchers in these fields as well as clinicians in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, neuropathology and neuro-oncology.