Which function is associated with neuroglial cells?

Which function is associated with neuroglial cells?

• A. Transmission of action potentials
• B. Maintenance of potassium levels and reuptake of neurotransmitters
• C. Blood-brain barrier transport
• D. Generation of CSF

Answer: (B)

Neuroglial cells primarily support neurons and keep the neuronal environment stable. A key role of astrocytes, a type of glial cell, is maintaining extracellular potassium levels during neuronal activity and reuptake of neurotransmitters like glutamate from the synaptic cleft. This helps terminate signals and protect neurons from overexcitation. In contrast, transmitting action potentials is done by neurons, not glia. The blood-brain barrier is formed mainly by tightly joined endothelial cells, with astrocyte end-feet aiding structure but not driving transport. CSF production comes from the choroid plexus epithelium, while ependymal cells line ventricles and help with CSF movement rather than generation. So, the function most characteristic of neuroglial cells is maintaining potassium balance and reuptake of neurotransmitters.

Neuroglial cells primarily support neurons and keep the neuronal environment stable. A key role of astrocytes, a type of glial cell, is maintaining extracellular potassium levels during neuronal activity and reuptake of neurotransmitters like glutamate from the synaptic cleft. This helps terminate signals and protect neurons from overexcitation. In contrast, transmitting action potentials is done by neurons, not glia. The blood-brain barrier is formed mainly by tightly joined endothelial cells, with astrocyte end-feet aiding structure but not driving transport. CSF production comes from the choroid plexus epithelium, while ependymal cells line ventricles and help with CSF movement rather than generation. So, the function most characteristic of neuroglial cells is maintaining potassium balance and reuptake of neurotransmitters.