Astrocytes are primarily found in gray matter. And the reason is, is that they're closely associated with the cell bodies, the dendrytes and the synaptic connections of neurons. Glial cells help to maintain the ionic balance of the extracellular fluids that surround neurons and that's very important for maintaining the capacity of those neurons to generate and maintain electrical signaling. One additional role of astrocytes is to take up and process neurotransmitters. Astrocytes are the glial element that assists in the formation of new ________s and new _______s within gray matter. This is, again a newly discovered property of astocytes and it's one that is opening up new for research as well as potentially new therapies for intervention for individuals who've had damage to their brain or spinal cord. Astrocytes are that category of glial cell that contributes to the formation of the blood-brain barrier. As well as the barrier between the brain and the ventricular system within the brain called the brain ______ barrier.