Which cells in the nervous system provide support, nourishment, and protection for neurons?

Which cells in the nervous system provide support, nourishment, and protection for neurons?

• A. Neurons
• B. Ependymal cells
• C. Glial cells
• D. Neurotransmitters

Answer: (C)

Glial cells are the support crew of the nervous system. Neurons do the signaling, but they rely on these non-neuronal cells to keep the environment stable, supply nutrients, and shield neurons from damage. For instance, astrocytes help feed neurons and regulate the ion balance around synapses; oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells insulate axons with myelin to speed up transmission and protect them; microglia act as immune defenders and clean up debris. Ependymal cells are another type of glial cell, mainly lining brain ventricles and helping produce cerebrospinal fluid. Neurotransmitters are signaling chemicals, not cells. So the description fits glial cells.

Glial cells are the support crew of the nervous system. Neurons do the signaling, but they rely on these non-neuronal cells to keep the environment stable, supply nutrients, and shield neurons from damage. For instance, astrocytes help feed neurons and regulate the ion balance around synapses; oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells insulate axons with myelin to speed up transmission and protect them; microglia act as immune defenders and clean up debris. Ependymal cells are another type of glial cell, mainly lining brain ventricles and helping produce cerebrospinal fluid. Neurotransmitters are signaling chemicals, not cells. So the description fits glial cells.