<u>Answer:</u>
<u>D. all of the above</u>
<u>Explanation:</u>
Neuroglia are the supporting cells of nervous system. There are different types of neuroglial cells.
- Astrocytes
- Oligodendrocytes
- Schwann cells
- Microglia
- Ependymal cells
- Satellite glial cells
<u>ASTROCYTES:</u>
They provide nutritional support to the neurons (nerve cells). They also take part in the formation of blood-brain barrier. They also maintain suitable extracellular environment for neurons. In addition, they provide structural support to the nervous system.
<u>OLIGODENDROCYTES:</u>
They myelinate the axons of neurons in central nervous system (CNS; Brain and Spinal cord).
<u>SCHWANN CELLS:</u>
They perform the same function as oligodendrocytes but on the neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS; nerves and ganglia outside the brain).
<u>MICROGLIA:</u>
Normally, they are inactive. They can be specialized to perform phagocytosis during injury or insult. They are the resident macrophages of central nervous system (CNS).
<u>EPENDYMAL CELLS:</u>
They line the ventricles of the brain. In addition, they also line the neural tube.
<u>SATELLITE GLIAL CELLS:</u>
They cover the cell bodies in the PNS and are responsible for protection.
Coming back to answer choices,
<u>a. provide nourishment and support for neurons</u>
This is the function of astrocytes.
<u>b. hold neurons in place</u>
This is the function of astrocytes.
<u>c. can be specialized to perform phagocytosis</u>
This is the function of microglia.
<u>d. all of the above</u>
This is the correct answer choice as all of the above options are characteristic to neuroglia.