Protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes, illustration - stock illustration

Illustration of a protoplasmic (left) and a fibrous (right) astrocyte. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell. They provide structural support and protection for neurons (nerve cells) and also supply them with nutrients and oxygen. Astrocytes are subdivided into fibrous and protoplasmic types. Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in the brain's grey matter, and have relatively short processes attaching to neuron cell bodies. Fibrous astrocytes, found in the white matter, have much longer processes and attach to axons.