Neurons aren’t the only cells heavily involved in the nervous system! Glial cells (or glia) have many important roles in the nervous system. What are at least 3 functions of glia?

Answer 1

Glial cells, often referred to as "supporting cells" in the nervous system, perform a variety of essential functions. Here are three key roles of glial cells:

1. Support and Structure: Glial cells provide structural support to neurons, helping to maintain the overall architecture of the nervous system. They fill the spaces between neurons and provide a scaffold that supports neuronal networks.

2. Nutrient Supply and Maintenance: Glial cells, such as astrocytes, play a critical role in supplying nutrients to neurons. They help transport glucose and other nutrients from blood vessels to neurons and regulate the extracellular environment by maintaining ion balance, particularly potassium levels.

3. Myelination: Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system are responsible for the formation of myelin sheaths around neuronal axons. Myelination is crucial for increasing the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission along axons.

In addition to these roles, glial cells are involved in immune responses within the central nervous system and play a role in synaptic maintenance and plasticity.