Which cells are primarily responsible for supporting neurons in the central nervous system?

The correct answer is glial cells, which encompass a variety of cell types that play essential roles in supporting and maintaining neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Glial cells are crucial for several functions, including providing structural support, maintaining homeostasis, forming myelin, and participating in signal transmission. They outnumber neurons in the CNS and are integral to the overall functioning and health of neural circuits.

While astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells, specifically assist in maintaining the blood-brain barrier, regulating blood flow, and providing nutrients to neurons, glial cells as a whole represent the broader category responsible for neuron support. Microglia, another type of glial cell, serve primarily as the immune defense in the CNS, scavenging debris and protecting against pathogens. Neurons themselves are the primary signaling and information-processing cells, meaning they do not provide the supportive roles characteristic of glial cells.