Table 1.
Evolutionary alterations in human astrocytes compared to rodents
| Glial parameter | Rodent | Human |
|---|---|---|
| Glia to neuron ratio | 1 | ∼4.1-fold greater |
| Number of processes | 1 | ∼10-fold greater |
| Process length (protoplasmic) | 1 | ∼2.6-fold greater |
| Process diameter | 1 | ∼2.9-fold greater |
| Cell diameter (protoplasmic) | 1 | ∼2.6-fold greater |
| Cell diameter (fibrous) | 1 | ∼2.14-fold greater; similar in shape |
| Cell volume (protoplasmic) | 1 | ∼27-fold greater; much more complex |
| Number of supported synapses | 1 | ∼20-fold greater |
| Propagation of calcium waves | 1 | ∼4-fold faster |
| Average area of overlap domains | 1 | ∼2.8-fold greater |
| Summated area of overlapping domains | 1 | ∼3.8-fold greater |