Final answer:
Microglia are the neuroglial cells in the central nervous system responsible for phagocytosis, engulfing debris, waste, and pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of neuroglial cell in the central nervous system that functions to engulf cellular debris, waste products, and pathogens is the microglia.
Microglia act as the main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). They are considered the macrophages of the CNS because of their phagocytic nature, similar to white blood cells in the peripheral immune system. Microglia constantly scavenge for plaques, damaged or unnecessary neurons, and infectious agents. The other glial cells have different primary functions; astrocytes regulate the blood-brain barrier and ion balance, oligodendrocytes create the myelin sheath for CNS neurons, and ependymal cells produce cerebrospinal fluid. None of these engage in phagocytosis like microglia do. Therefore, understanding the roles of these different types of neuroglial cells is crucial in comprehending the complex and supportive networking within the CNS.