The image shows neurons and astrocytes in co-cultures, a setup that is important to study the role of astrocytes in supporting neuronal growth, synapse formation, and function. A single neuron is surrounded by many astrocytes that assist in both structural and functional maturation of a neuron. 

This image was taken as a part of an ongoing project that aims at understanding the early developmental mechanisms of Rett syndrome. I am studying the role of astrocytes in mouse models of Rett syndrome and was trying to see how mutant astrocytes affect synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity in this disorder. This image is from a control mice that shows normal neurite outgrowth in the presence of healthy astrocytes. Co-culturing the neurons with mutant astrocytes leads to diminished neurite outgrowth and loss of synapses.