Based on size and morphology, processes of astrocytes can be classified into:[1]
- Branches: They are the primary neuronal processes that extend from the cell body and have a diameter in the micrometer range.
- Branchlets: They arise from larger branches, smaller in size, and typically measuring in the submicrometer range.
- Leaflets and endfeet: They are the smallest processes in contact with synapses and blood vessels respectively. However, some researchers also classify astrocytic branches that interact with synapses as endfeet.
- ^ Aboufares El Alaoui, A; Jackson, M; Fabri, M; de Vivo, L; Bellesi, M (2020). "Characterization of Subcellular Organelles in Cortical Perisynaptic Astrocytes". Frontiers in cellular neuroscience. 14: 573944. doi:10.3389/fncel.2020.573944. PMID 33633542.