Which cells provide support and protection to neurons in the central nervous system?

Glial cells play a crucial role in the central nervous system (CNS) by providing support and protection to neurons. They encompass various types of cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, each contributing uniquely to maintaining the overall environment of the nervous system.

For instance, astrocytes provide structural support, regulate blood flow, and form the blood-brain barrier, ensuring that the neural tissue can function correctly and remain protected from harmful substances. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for the myelination of axons in the CNS, which enhances the speed of electrical signals. Microglia act as the immune cells of the CNS, providing defense against pathogens and clearing away debris from dead neurons.

The other choices, such as Schwann cells, epithelial cells, and neuroglia, are either involved in peripheral nervous system functions or do not specifically describe the broad category of support cells in the CNS. For example, Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system rather than the CNS. Neuroglia is actually synonymous with glial cells, but it's less commonly used as a standalone term, so glial cells is the more straightforward answer.