Which cells provide insulation, nutrients, and support for neural function, and aid repair and waste removal?

Which cells provide insulation, nutrients, and support for neural function, and aid repair and waste removal?

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

Answer: (A)

Glial cells provide insulation, nutrients, and support for neural function, and they aid repair and waste removal. They form the myelin sheath around axons (done by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS), which speeds up electrical signaling. They also supply neurons with energy and maintain the chemical environment around neurons (for example, astrocytes help with nutrient transfer and regulating ions and neurotransmitters). When the nervous system is damaged, glial cells participate in repair and cleanup—microglia act as immune cells that clear debris, while other glial cells help restore function. Neurons themselves transmit signals but don’t provide this broad support and maintenance role, and other cell types like ependymal cells mainly line the brain’s ventricles and help with cerebrospinal fluid., so the description fits glial cells best.

Glial cells provide insulation, nutrients, and support for neural function, and they aid repair and waste removal. They form the myelin sheath around axons (done by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS), which speeds up electrical signaling. They also supply neurons with energy and maintain the chemical environment around neurons (for example, astrocytes help with nutrient transfer and regulating ions and neurotransmitters). When the nervous system is damaged, glial cells participate in repair and cleanup—microglia act as immune cells that clear debris, while other glial cells help restore function. Neurons themselves transmit signals but don’t provide this broad support and maintenance role, and other cell types like ependymal cells mainly line the brain’s ventricles and help with cerebrospinal fluid., so the description fits glial cells best.