Final answer:
Astrocytes are the glial cells in the central nervous system responsible for regulating ions, neurotransmitter uptake/breakdown, and maintaining the blood-brain barrier.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the central nervous system (CNS), the glial cells that regulate ions, neurotransmitter uptake, and/or breakdown, and contribute to the formation of the blood-brain barrier are astrocytes. Astrocytes make contact with both neurons and capillaries in the CNS, playing a key role in neurophysiological processes. They ensure the proper chemical concentration in the interstitial fluid and form a protective barrier that controls the substances allowed to pass from the bloodstream into the brain.
By maintaining a stable environment, they support the optimal functioning of neurons. Microglia also play a crucial role in the CNS by acting as phagocytes that scavenge dead cells and protect the brain from invading microorganisms, but they are not primarily responsible for ion regulation or neurotransmitter management.