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.