Confocal light micrograph of astrocytes from the brain of a mouse. Fluorescent markers have been used to highlight structures in the cell. Alpha tubulin, a component of microtubules is green and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in the cells' nuclei is blue. Microtubules are components of a cell's cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton maintains the cell's shape, allows some cellular mobility and is involved in intracellular transport and nuclear division. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell. They provide structural support and protection for neurons (nerve cells) and also supply them with nutrients and oxygen.