Final answer:
Microglia are the phagocytic cells within the neuroglia that serve a supportive and protective function in the central nervous system, scavenging pathogens and debris.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phagocytic cells within the neuroglia that provide supportive functions are microglia. Microglia are related to macrophages and play a pivotal role in the central nervous system (CNS) by scavenging pathogens and debris from dead cells, thereby protecting the brain and spinal cord from infections. They are capable of migrating to sites of injury within the CNS and contribute to the immune response.
In addition to this phagocytic activity, astrocytes, another type of glial cells, regulate ion concentration, assist in the uptake and breakdown of neurotransmitters, and are integral in the formation of the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells are involved in the production of myelin in the CNS and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), respectively.