We define a new concept of ‘active milieu’ that unifies all components of nervous tissue (neuronal and glial compartments, extracellular space, extracellular matrix, and vasculature) into a dynamic information processing system. Within this framework, we focus on the role of astrocytic processes, classified into organelle-containing branches and organelle-free leaflets. We argue that astrocytic branches with emanating leaflets are homologous to dendritic shafts with spines. Within the active milieu, astrocytic processes are engaged in reciprocal interactions with neuronal compartments and communication with other cellular and non-cellular elements of the nervous tissue.

我们定义了“活跃环境”的新概念，它将神经组织的所有组成部分（神经元和神经胶质隔室、细胞外空间、细胞外基质和脉管系统）统一为一个动态信息处理系统。在这个框架内，我们专注于星形胶质细胞过程的作用，分为含细胞器的分支和无细胞器的小叶。我们认为，带有散发小叶的星形细胞分支与带有刺的树突轴同源。在活跃的环境中，星形胶质细胞过程参与与神经元隔室的相互相互作用以及与神经组织的其他细胞和非细胞成分的交流。