Astrocytes are important components of the central nervous system, which account for about 20%-30% of the total cells in the human brain. A large number of astrocytes have important physiological functions corresponding to their proportion, such as providing nutrients for neurons, regulating ionic and metabolic balance in the nervous system, and maintaining the structures of the brain and blood-brain-barrier. Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that astrocytes are actively involved in the development, maturation and pathological processes of the nervous system. This review gives a brief overview of the evolution and physiological functions of astrocytes, and the progress in the research of nervous system diseases.