Glowing tree inside a brain symbolizing neural progenitor cells.

Decoding Brain Cell Lingo: A Guide to Neural Progenitor Terminology

Theo Raines in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Tired of jargon? Understand the evolving language of brain cell development and how it impacts future treatments."

Navigating the world of brain cell research can feel like learning a new language. Since the late 19th century, scientists have been using different terms to describe neural precursor cells (NPCs), the cells that give rise to the various cell types in our brains. Each term reflects the scientific understanding at the time, making it tricky to keep up.

This article acts as a translator. We'll break down the past and present terminology used to describe NPCs, focusing on those found in the developing and adult brain. By understanding these terms, you'll gain a clearer picture of how our brains develop and the potential for future therapies.

Think of this as your cheat sheet to understanding the exciting world of brain cell development. We'll cover everything from the early days of 'spongioblasts' to the modern understanding of radial glial cells and intermediate progenitor cells.

Embryonic NPCs: From Germinal Cells to Radial Glia

Glowing tree inside a brain symbolizing neural progenitor cells.

The story of NPCs begins in the late 1800s when researchers first identified 'germinal cells' near the brain's ventricles. These were the cells believed to give rise to cortical neurons, the workhorses of our brains. One of the earliest studies mapped out where these dividing precursor cells were located in the developing brain and spinal cord.

Researchers discovered that these mitotic cells existed in two key areas: near the ventricle (the fluid-filled spaces in the brain) and away from it. Interestingly, the location of these divisions shifted as the brain developed. In the early stages, most precursor cells divided near the ventricle, but later on, more cells divided further away.

Here are the key terms and concepts to remember about embryonic NPCs:

Germinal Cells: The original term for cells believed to produce cortical neurons.
Ventricular and Extra-ventricular Mitoses: Divisions occurring near and away from the ventricle, respectively.
Spongioblasts and Fetal Glia: Early terms reflecting the presumed non-neuronal nature of these cells.
Radial Glia (RG): The most common term for primary NPCs in the ventricular zone, known for their radial orientation.

As technology advanced, scientists began to appreciate the unique shapes and characteristics of NPCs. Through techniques like electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, they discovered that many of these cells extended long processes, reaching from the ventricle to the outer surface of the brain. This led to the rise of the term 'radial glia,' which remains a central concept in understanding brain development.

NPC Terminology: A Constantly Evolving Landscape

The language of NPCs is still evolving as we learn more about these fascinating cells. What was once called a 'spongioblast' is now understood as a complex radial glial cell with the potential to create neurons, glia, and even more progenitor cells. The techniques we use to study these cells, from simple staining to single-cell genomics, shape how we define and categorize them.

Ultimately, understanding NPC terminology is about more than just memorizing names. It's about grasping the dynamic processes of brain development and the potential for new therapies. By appreciating the history and current state of NPC research, we can better understand the future of brain health.

Whether you're a student, a researcher, or simply curious about the brain, we hope this guide has provided a clearer understanding of the language surrounding neural progenitor cells. The journey to understanding the brain is a continuous one, and every new term and discovery brings us closer to unlocking its secrets.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00104, Alternate LINK

Title: Neural Progenitor Cell Terminology

Subject: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Journal: Frontiers in Neuroanatomy

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Authors: Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño, Stephen C. Noctor

Published: 2018-12-06

Everything You Need To Know

What were the earliest terms used to describe Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs), and what did they imply?

The term 'Germinal Cells' was the initial name given to cells believed to be the precursors of cortical neurons in the late 1800s. These cells were recognized as the origin of the neurons that form the cortex, which is vital for higher-order brain functions. Their discovery marked the beginning of understanding how the brain develops and how its different cell types arise. Understanding the history of scientific terms like 'Germinal Cells' is essential for appreciating the evolution of knowledge and to see how modern understanding is based on the previous discoveries.

What are 'Radial Glia,' and why are they significant in understanding brain development?

The term 'Radial Glia (RG)' is a more advanced concept that emerged as scientists recognized the unique structure and function of the NPCs. Radial Glia are primary NPCs in the ventricular zone, known for their radial orientation, extending from the ventricle to the brain's outer surface. This radial structure acts as a scaffold for the migration of newly formed neurons. The importance of Radial Glia lies in their role as both progenitors and guides, directly influencing the architecture of the brain. The study of Radial Glia and their function is still important because it shows how complex the brain is.

What do the terms 'Ventricular and Extra-ventricular Mitoses' refer to, and what is their importance?

The terms 'Ventricular and Extra-ventricular Mitoses' describe where the divisions occur. 'Ventricular Mitoses' refer to cell divisions happening near the ventricles, fluid-filled spaces in the brain, while 'Extra-ventricular Mitoses' occur further away. The shift in division locations as the brain develops shows the dynamic nature of NPC activity during brain formation. The location of these mitoses affects the fate of the produced cells. The shifts indicate different phases of brain development.

What are 'Spongioblasts' and 'Fetal Glia,' and why are they important to know?

'Spongioblasts' and 'Fetal Glia' are early terms used to describe NPCs, often reflecting an incomplete understanding of these cells, and also the time when the term was used. At the time, the concept was that these cells were not neurons, in contrast to our current understanding of their complex potential. These terms show how scientific understanding evolves as new technologies and techniques, such as electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, reveal more about these cells. These initial terms are still important because of how they show the evolution of our understanding.

How has the understanding of NPC terminology evolved, and what are the implications?

NPC terminology is still evolving. The current understanding of NPCs, such as 'Radial Glia,' is that they have a much more complex role than previously thought, including the ability to generate neurons, glial cells, and even more progenitor cells. The development of techniques, like single-cell genomics, is constantly refining how scientists define and categorize these cells, which can affect future therapies. The evolution in NPC terminology will give us a chance to develop new treatments for neurological diseases.