We define a new concept of 'active milieu' that unifies all components of nervous tissue (neuronal and glial compartments, extracellular space, extracellular matrix, and vasculature) into a dynamic information processing system. Within this framework, we focus on the role of astrocytic processes, classified into organellecontaining branches and organelle-free leaflets. We argue that astrocytic branches with emanating leaflets are homologous to dendritic shafts with spines. Within the active milieu, astrocytic processes are engaged in reciprocal interactions with neuronal compartments and communication with other cellular and non-cellular elements of the nervous tissue.
The concept of the active milieuAxons of neurons provide the input and output of the central nervous system, whereas the intricate web of neurons, glia, and vasculature underlies information processing and defines the central nervous system function as an organ. The concept of tripartite synapse [1] has been instrumental in rethinking the role of astrocytes in synaptic transmission. Subsequent morphological analyses identified additional components of the synaptic structure. These components include microglial processes and the extracellular matrix (ECM), thus upgrading the tripartite paradigm to tetra-or pentapartite synapse [2,3]. These convolutions reflect a high degree of complexity of the perisynaptic microenvironment, a subject of remarkable morphological plasticity. In particular, interactions of synapses with their microenvironment are influenced by the interposition of individual synapses and nearby compartments of non-neuronal cells and extracellular space (ECS). Here we argue that the expanding knowledge on physiological interactions of cellular and non-cellular components of nervous tissue necessitates advancing the concept of 'tri-(multi)-partite synapse' to a concept we name 'active milieu'. The active milieu is based on the dynamic interposition and interaction among compartments of neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, blood vessels, ECS, and ECM (Box 1 and Figure 1). In the framework of this concept, neuronal activity not only propagates from one neuron to another but also signals to other cellular and noncellular elements, which respond to this signal and affect all components of nervous tissue.