preview

Astrocytoma Research Paper

Good Essays

Astrocytoma Georgia Childress North Greenville University Biology Department What is it? An Astrocytoma is a type of tumor that is created by star-shaped cells called astrocytes. These astrocytes are the largest and most numerous type of neuroglia in the Central Nervous System, and make up the supportive tissue of the brain. Because of the size and number of astrocytes they are the most common Central Nervous System tumor. Although Astrocytomas are so common, the cause remains unknown. Researchers believe that genetics could be a part of the cause of Astrocytomas. Astrocytes combine with other support cells called Oligodendrocytes and Ependymal cells to make up glial tissue. Tumors within the glial tissue are referred to as gliomas. This means that an Astrocytoma is a glioma tumor, and can be broken down into four grades or levels based off of how aggressive the tumor is. …show more content…

L., & Bartholomew, E. F. (2015). Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology. Boston: Pearson. Astrocytoma - NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). (2015). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/Astrocytoma/ Astrocytoma. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/Astrocytoma.html Astrocytoma Brain Tumors. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Astrocytoma-Brain-Tumors.aspx Astrocytoma. (2013). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://www.braintumortreatment.com/Brain-Tumors/Tumor-Types/Astrocytoma.aspx Berkow, R., Beers, M. H., & Fletcher, A. J. (1999). The Merck Manual of Medical Information. New York: Pocket Books. McManus, D. (2003). Pathways of Pain and Possibility: The Dysfunction of Migraine Headache. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro03/web1/dmcmanus.html Lendeckel, U., & Hooper, N. M. (2005). Proteases in the Brain. New York:

Get Access