Abstract
Astrocytes are essential for various functions in the brain, including regulating synaptic transmission, maintaining ion homeostasis, and supporting neuronal network activity. Despite over a century of recognition that human astrocytes differ morphologically from those of other mammals, detailed functional studies have been limited due to challenges in obtaining live human brain tissue. This narrative review revisits recent findings on the morphological and physiological properties of human astrocytes, particularly those focusing on cortical astrocytes. I summarize the main anatomical and functional features of the different types of human astrocytes and briefly compare human astrocytes with what is known about astrocytes in mice and/or primates. I greatly summarize the physiological properties of human astrocytes, with emphasis on their intrinsic properties, potassium ion uptake and syncytium connectivity, emphasizing recent advances that have enhanced our understanding of astrocytic functionality in the human brain and their possible role in regenerative medicine.
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