Question

Neurons get nutrients from supportive cells called as

Answer 1

Nervous tissue is composed of billions of neurons.Neurons send and receive signals from your brain. Another type of cells called supporting cells provide nutritional and structural support to the neurons.

Complete answer:
The nervous system is made up of specialised cells called neurons that can receive and transmit chemical or electrical signals. These neurons get nutrients and oxygen from supportive cells called “Neuroglia or Glial cells”. Glial cells do not conduct nerve impulses. They can divide in the mature nervous system.

Neurons can’t function without the support from glial cells. Mutations in glial cells can result in brain tumours. Glial cells guide developing neurons to their destination, provide structural support by building myelin sheath around axons and buffer harmful ions.

There are several types of glial cells with different functions. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia cells, ependymal cells are glial cells that are found in the central nervous system. The glial cells found in the peripheral nervous system are Schwann cells and satellite cells.

Glial cells and their functions:
-Astrocytes: Helps to transfer nutrients from blood to the neurons and regulates the extracellular environment. They also provide structural support.
-Oligodendrocytes: Forms myelin sheaths around axons of the CNS and thereby provides nutrients and structural support to neurons.
-Ependymal cells: It is involved in the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which serves as a cushion for the brain. They line the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.
-Microglia: They are the immune defense cells. They Scavenge pathogens and dead cells.
-Schwann cells: Form myelin sheaths around the peripheral axons.
-Satellite cells: Provide nutrition and structural support for neurons in the PNS.

Note: Scientists have recently discovered that the glial cells also play a role in communication between nerve cells. Glial cells exist in more numbers than neurons. They are structurally different from neurons as they lack axons and dendrites which are characteristic of neurons. Also they are smaller in size when compared to neurons.