Functions of the Neuroglia

In this article we will discuss about the functions of the neuroglia

Functions of the Neuroglia

• 90% of the central nervous system is made up of neuroglia.
• The neuroglia or glial cells support neurons physically and metabolically.
• They act as insulators between neurons.
• Provide nourishment to the neurons
• Help in regeneration of neurons
• There are different types of neuroglia: astrocytes, Oligodendrocytes, microglia and ependymal cells.
• Astrocytes cover the capillaries of the brain to form the blood barrier and help regulate passage of molecules from blood to the brain.
• Oligodendrocytes from myelin sheath around the central axons produce the white matter of the central nervous system.
• Microglia are phagocytic amoeboid cells in the central nervous system that remove foreign and degenerate material from the brain.
• Ependyma line the ventricles or brain cavities and central canal of the spinal cord
• Schwann cells surround axons of all peripheral nerve fibres, and form the myelin sheath.
• The neurons in the nervous tissue also act as the seat of experiences and memories , etc.