Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that are crucial for proper brain development and function. Three major classes of glia in the central nervous system (CNS) include astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. These cells have dynamic morphological and functional properties and constantly surveil neural activity throughout life, sculpting synaptic plasticity. Astrocytes form part of the tripartite synapse with neurons and perform many homeostatic functions essential to proper synaptic function including clearing neurotransmitter and regulating ion balance; they can modify these properties, in addition to additional mechanisms such as gliotransmitter release, to influence short- and long-term plasticity. Microglia, the resident macrophage of the CNS, monitor synaptic activity and can eliminate synapses by phagocytosis or modify synapses by release of cytokines or neurotrophic factors. Oligodendrocytes regulate speed of action potential conduction and efficiency of information exchange through the formation of myelin, having important consequences for the plasticity of neural circuits. A deeper understanding of how glia modulate synaptic and circuit plasticity will further our understanding of the ongoing changes that take place throughout life in the dynamic environment of the CNS.

神经胶质细胞是神经系统中的非神经元细胞，对于大脑的正常发育和功能至关重要。中枢神经系统 (CNS) 中的三大类胶质细胞包括星形胶质细胞、小胶质细胞和少突胶质细胞。这些细胞具有动态的形态和功能特性，并在整个生命过程中不断监视神经活动，塑造突触可塑性。星形胶质细胞与神经元形成三方突触的一部分，并执行许多对正常突触功能至关重要的稳态功能，包括清除神经递质和调节离子平衡；除了胶质递质释放等其他机制之外，它们还可以改变这些特性，以影响短期和长期的可塑性。小胶质细胞是中枢神经系统的常驻巨噬细胞，可监测突触活动，并可通过吞噬作用消除突触或通过释放细胞因子或神经营养因子来修饰突触。少突胶质细胞通过髓磷脂的形成调节动作电位传导的速度和信息交换的效率，对神经回路的可塑性产生重要影响。更深入地了解神经胶质细胞如何调节突触和回路可塑性将进一步了解中枢神经系统动态环境中一生中发生的持续变化。