Question Video: Identifying the Functions of the Neuroglia | Nagwa Question Video: Identifying the Functions of the Neuroglia | Nagwa

Question Video: Identifying the Functions of the Neuroglia Biology • Second Year of Secondary School

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Which of the following is not a function of the neuroglia? [A] To connect neurons by acting as a connective tissue [B] To provide essential nutrition for neurons [C] To produce electrical impulses [D] To repair damaged parts of neurons

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Video Transcript

Which of the following is not a function of the neuroglia? (A) To connect neurons by acting as a connective tissue. (B) To provide essential nutrition for neurons. (C) To produce electrical impulses. (D) To repair damaged parts of neurons.

To answer this question, we need to find which answer choice does not describe the neuroglia. So let’s recall what neuroglia are and their function in the nervous system.

Neuroglia is a broad term that refers to many of the supportive cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The term neuroglia comes from the Greek word for “nerve glue,” since it was initially thought that neuroglia served only as connective tissue that hold neurons in place and act as supportive cells. Now, however, neuroglia are recognized as having a variety of functions, such as providing nutrition, protection, and mechanical support.

Beyond these broad functions, neuroglia also have specific functions as evidenced by the wide range of cells classified as neuroglia, such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, glial cells, and Schwann cells. All of these cells have specific morphologies and specific functions in addition to their main function of supporting neurons.

For example, astrocytes are the most abundant type of neuroglia and perform a variety of tasks, from axon guidance and synaptic support to the control of the blood brain barrier and blood flow. Oligodendrocytes help to myelinate the axons in the central nervous system, or CNS. Glial cells help to repair damaged neurons in the central nervous system after injury. Schwann cells are the principal neuroglia of the peripheral nervous system, or PNS, and function to myelinate neuronal axons in the PNS.

From this short review, we can eliminate some of the answer choices. We now recall that neuroglia act as connective tissue in the nervous system, provide essential nutrition for neurons, and repair damage of neurons. The only answer choice that does not seem to fit the description of neuroglia is the production of electrical impulses. Only neurons are responsible for producing and conducting the electrical impulses that carry information.

Now that we’ve reviewed the function of neuroglia, we’re able to answer our question correctly. The only answer choice that is not a function of neuroglia is the production of electrical impulses.

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