Question

Neuroglia:

a. provide nourishment and support for neurons
b. hold neurons in place
c. can be specialized to perform phagocytosis
d. all of the above

Answer 1

D. all of the above

Step-by-step explanation:

Neuroglia are the supporting cells of nervous system. There are different types of neuroglial cells.

1. Astrocytes
2. Oligodendrocytes
3. Schwann cells
4. Microglia
5. Ependymal cells
6. Satellite glial cells

ASTROCYTES:

They provide nutritional support to the neurons (nerve cells). They also take part in the formation of blood-brain barrier. They also maintain suitable extracellular environment for neurons. In addition, they provide structural support to the nervous system.

OLIGODENDROCYTES:

They myelinate the axons of neurons in central nervous system (CNS; Brain and Spinal cord).

SCHWANN CELLS:

They perform the same function as oligodendrocytes but on the neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS; nerves and ganglia outside the brain).

MICROGLIA:

Normally, they are inactive. They can be specialized to perform phagocytosis during injury or insult. They are the resident macrophages of central nervous system (CNS).

EPENDYMAL CELLS:

They line the ventricles of the brain. In addition, they also line the neural tube.

SATELLITE GLIAL CELLS:

They cover the cell bodies in the PNS and are responsible for protection.

Coming back to answer choices,

a. provide nourishment and support for neurons

This is the function of astrocytes.

b. hold neurons in place

This is the function of astrocytes.

c. can be specialized to perform phagocytosis

This is the function of microglia.

d. all of the above

This is the correct answer choice as all of the above options are characteristic to neuroglia.

Answer 2

The correct answer will be option D-all of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neuroglia or glial cells are the additional cells of the nervous system which perform functions which maintains the neuron cells. They protect, support and nourish the neurons which are present in both CNS and PNS.

In CNS four types of glial cells are found namely:

1. Astrocytes- support and nourish the neurons.

2. Microglial cells- become macrophages which clean neuronal debris.

3. Ependymal cells- help circulation of cerebrospinal fluid which maintains neurons in their place.

4. Oligodendrocytes- form the myelin sheath.

In PNS two types of glial cells are present:

1. Schwann cells- form myelin sheath and perform the function of macrophages.

2. Satellite cells- support and nourish.

Therefore, glial cells perform all the functions thus, option D is the correct answer.